SOFIA – A third nationwide consumer boycott against high food prices is underway in Bulgaria today, with organizers urging people to refrain from shopping in supermarkets and to avoid banking transactions, including withdrawals, deposits, transfers, and payments.
In addition to the boycott, a protest is scheduled to take place in front of the Bulgarian National Bank at 6 p.m., highlighting growing public discontent over banking fees.
The ongoing boycott follows two similar actions held earlier this month, on February 13 and February 20. While the first boycott led to a significant decline in supermarket turnover—down by 7.9 million leva compared to the previous day—the second saw a much smaller impact, with revenue dropping by only 1.1 million leva.
According to data from the National Revenue Agency, the February 20 boycott resulted in a reduction of just over 4% in supermarket revenue, a modest yet noticeable dip.
Rising Discontent and Government Response
Bulgarians have grown increasingly frustrated with the escalating cost of food, which they argue is placing an unbearable strain on household budgets.
While inflation has eased slightly from its peak, many consumers report that staple food items remain excessively expensive, leading to widespread dissatisfaction and calls for greater government intervention.
In response to mounting public pressure, the Bulgarian government has introduced several measures aimed at controlling costs.
These include shortening the supply chain to limit the role of intermediaries and addressing unfair trade practices that may be contributing to price hikes.
Authorities have also ramped up inspections across the country, deploying teams from the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency, the National Revenue Agency, and the Bulgarian Consumer Protection Agency to conduct thorough checks at all food retail outlets.
Despite these efforts, many Bulgarians remain skeptical about the effectiveness of government measures. Protest organizers argue that without stronger regulatory enforcement and more transparent pricing mechanisms, the cost of food will continue to rise unchecked.
Supermarkets and Banks Under Pressure
Supermarket chains have largely remained silent on the impact of the boycotts, though some industry representatives have defended pricing strategies, citing external economic pressures, such as high import costs and energy prices.
Meanwhile, banks have faced criticism over transaction fees, with many consumers voicing concerns that additional banking charges are exacerbating financial hardships.
Today’s boycott extends beyond supermarkets, calling for a halt to banking transactions as a symbolic gesture against financial institutions perceived to be profiting at consumers’ expense.
Protesters gathering outside the Bulgarian National Bank this evening are expected to demand greater transparency and reductions in banking fees, which they argue disproportionately affect lower-income citizens.
A Growing Consumer Movement?
While it remains uncertain whether the third boycott will significantly impact supermarket revenues or banking transactions, the movement underscores growing economic discontent among Bulgarians.
Some analysts believe that continued consumer activism could pressure businesses and the government to take more aggressive steps toward addressing price concerns.
With inflationary pressures persisting, many citizens are expected to continue pushing for long-term solutions, including stronger consumer protections and more government oversight of pricing practices.
Whether today’s boycott will translate into tangible policy changes remains to be seen, but for now, Bulgaria’s frustrated consumers appear determined to make their voices heard.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members