Bulgaria: The country has been witnessing a decrease in the prices of bread as some retail chains have reduced the prices by 20 percent in all cities, having their shops, as per the Economy Minister of Bulgaria.
On July 5, 2022 (Tuesday), the minister claimed that this had been established by check conducted by the Consumer Protection Commission (CPC).
The decision was made during the budget revision, which was approved by the Parliament on June 30, to zero-rate bread for VAT. The same budget also zero-rate VAT for flour.
The statement stated that the CPC had conducted more than 100 checks in around 30 Bulgarian cities between July 2 and July 5, 2022.
The Ministry of Economy stated, “It is clear from the CPC protocols that some retail chains have reduced prices by 20 per cent on all types of bread in all cities where they have shops. This is not due to a promotion; as such is done only on certain goods for a few days. The current discount is for the entire assortment, and it is permanent.”
The ministry further explained that inspections showed that in some small grocery shops, the price of the bread was close to or even lower than those in chains. While citing an example, he said, “For example, in a grocery shop in Vratsa, 700g of white bread is sold for 1.40 leva, and 700g of typical bread for 1.30 leva. In Montana, in a small shop, 700g of white bread costs 1.60 leva, and Dobrudzha bread costs 1.50 leva”.
The revised budget has been published in the State Gazette and brought zero-rating VAT for bread as well flour. As of July 9 (Saturday), a state scheme for a discount of 25 stotinki per litre of petrol will come into effect.