Consumer watchdog checks petrol stations over suspected unjustified price rises

Bulgaria’s Consumer Protection Commission has begun inspections of petrol stations across the country over suspected unjustified increases in fuel prices. The first results are expected next week and will be made public, the commission’s new chair Maya Manolova said. “The inspections cover all types of outlets – whether independent or part of a chain, large or small, in cities or outside major population centres,” Manolova said in a post.

The commission is also checking for unjustified increases in food and over-the-counter medicine prices, unfair terms in household utility and mobile service contracts, and the practices of debt collection agencies.

“When it comes to prices, we have reached the European average, but in terms of purchasing power we are still a long way behind,” Manolova told Bulgarian National Television.

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Editor: Diana Tsankova