The Bulgarian Industrial Capital Association and the Bulgarian Association of Dairy Processors have raised concerns that the prices of basic food products in Bulgaria are higher than in Austria and Germany, where the standard of living is significantly higher. ''In this situation, we believe that immediate action and measures must be taken to protect the principles of a free market, free competition and the interests of Bulgarian producers, processors and end consumers'', the two associations said.

''Bulgarian consumers pay unjustifiably high prices for basic goods and, at the same time, food producers and processors are being disadvantaged''. The two associations highlight that in the past year, the markup on the final selling prices of dairy products has reached 100% and even exceeded this figure. ''In many cases, this has nothing to do with real market conditions or operational costs'', the associations said. | BGNES