The Commission for Consumer Protection is already inspecting gas stations across the country over unjustified increases in retail prices for basic fuels. That was announced by the regulator's chairwoman Maya Manolova in a Facebook post.

"Inspections of gas stations are already underway. The directive has been signed for all CPC divisions — in Sofia and outside the capital," Manolova wrote. She noted that the inspections cover all types of sites, regardless of whether they are standalone stations or chains, large or small, in cities or outside major population centers.

Manolova, who took over as chairwoman of the CPC on September 18 by government decision, said preliminary results from the inspections are expected next week. "I will announce the results publicly, and that will be the approach for all CPC inspections — full transparency, regardless of who the violator is," she added.

According to her, alongside gas stations, the CPC will also address unjustified price increases for food and over-the-counter medicines, as these fall within the commission's authority. In addition, the commission will monitor for unfair clauses in the general terms and contracts for utility bills and mobile services.

Fuel prices, especially diesel, have hit record levels in many European countries over the past month due to the economic fallout from the conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.

In Bulgaria, the average retail price of the most widely used A95 gasoline reached 1.69 euros per liter, while diesel reached 1.96 euros per liter. Propane-butane is selling at an average price of 0.69 euros per liter, according to data from the Fuelo platform.

BTA recalls that on Friday the government announced a package of measures related to high fuel prices worth more than 300 million euros in total. These include the elimination of excise duty on propane-butane. Support in the form of subsidies is also planned for key sectors, including public transport and school and medical transportation services.