Consumers in Bulgaria seem increasingly vulnerable against the backdrop of rising prices and increasing suspicions of unfair trade practices. According to the former chairman of the Consumer Protection Commission Stoil Alipiev, the main reason for this is the ineffective functioning of the control authorities over the past year and a half.
The topic has become even more acute after the revelations about tons of expired food stored in Southern Bulgaria.
"When you enter a large store, every consumer enters with the trust and belief that they will buy food with a valid expiration date. And here it is already entirely within the competence of this control authority to stop the violation with the full force of the law that is given to it. Because this in any case constitutes misleading the consumer, providing false information, presenting information in an incorrect manner," Alipiev told "Denyat ON AIR".
Misleading practices and relabeling
According to him, the presence of expired goods in the retail network is a form of misleading practice that should be strictly sanctioned.
He also draws attention to possible cases of relabeling - a practice that further undermines consumer trust.
According to the expert, the problem lies not so much in the amount of sanctions as in their implementation.
"Sanctions, even if increased, if not applied correctly, will not have an effect on the market. Every control activity has the main goal of having a positive effect on the consumer in the market," Alipiev told Bulgaria ON AIR.
Institutional weakness and energy bills
As an example of institutional weakness, Alipiev also points to the case of high electricity bills.
Despite thousands of complaints from citizens, according to him, no clear and satisfactory answer has been given as to the reasons for the sharp increase in prices.
He believes that the current contracts lack real mechanisms through which consumers can exercise their right to claim, since the measurement of consumption is entirely in the hands of the suppliers.
Speculation and capacity of the control bodies
Regarding speculation, Alipiev explains that although there is no official definition, it is in practice expressed in the desire of traders to realize unregulated profits through violations.
According to him, it is precisely unfair trade practices that are at the root of the artificial price hike.
An additional problem is the capacity of the control authorities. According to him, the Consumer Protection Commission currently has significantly fewer employees compared to previous years, which seriously limits its ability to perform its functions effectively.