Bulgaria to Impose Strict Penalties on Retailers Raising Prices After October 8
Retailers who increase prices without economic justification during Bulgaria’s transition to the euro face direct fines and stricter oversight starting October 8, 2025.
The Bulgarian government has announced that, beginning October 8, 2025, retailers who unjustifiably raise prices during the nation’s transition to the euro will face heavy penalties. Following a meeting led by Prime Minister Rosen Jelyazkov, officials stated that the transition period is ending and that authorities will now enforce compliance rather than just offer guidance. Businesses, especially those selling food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals, with annual turnovers above 10 million leva, will be required to publish their prices daily both on their websites and on a new “Kolko struva” platform.
The main target is companies increasing prices without a valid economic reason. The government plans to carry out market inspections through cooperation between the Consumer Protection Commission and the National Revenue Agency, ensuring that price hikes are justified by changes in costs such as electricity, wages, fuel, or social payments. Unless such factors change, retailers will not be allowed to raise prices in connection with the euro adoption. Prime Minister Jelyazkov emphasized that there is no justification for extra increases and that current mechanisms are sufficient to protect consumers during the euro transition.
Additionally, proposed amendments to the Competition Protection Act are under parliamentary discussion, aiming to strengthen oversight particularly in the food sector. The government anticipates heightened public debate on pricing as the political process unfolds, but has pledged to quickly crack down on illegal or unjustified rate hikes. The final legislative measures related to the euro transition came into effect in July, setting the stage for this new enforcement phase.
