„The problem of high food prices must be seen as something long-term, which also requires long-term solutions. The price increase can come from different places – from the manufacturer, through the distributors”, commented the former chairman of the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC) Dimitar Margaritov in the studio of “Hello, Bulgaria”.
According to him, the CPC has no opportunity to influence pricing, since it does not have such powers, as well as the fact that there is no price ceiling and restrictions on markdowns in the country.
”If the CPC has to take any action, it should happen within the framework of ongoing campaigns for discounts on certain products. Two things can be checked in the field - whether the discount percentage corresponds to what is announced. As well as whether there is sufficient availability of the products, compared to the advertising message”, Margaritov added.
”Since the beginning of the years, key raw material sources have become more expensive. Since mid-2024 "It feels like people are paying more when they shop. This dissatisfaction is accumulating in society," he pointed out.
According to the former chairman of the Consumers' Union, a product can only be returned if it has any defects. “For example, in online shopping, unlike all product groups where consumers can return a product if they don't like it, this rule does not apply to food products”, explained Margaritov.