The Bulgarian government has launched a nationwide “Care Basket” initiative aimed at reducing the prices of essential food products by 15% for at least six months, in cooperation with major retail chains, according to Agriculture and Food Minister Plamen Abrovski.
The program was formally presented at the Council of Ministers, where officials said it is designed as a joint effort between the state and retailers to ease pressure on consumers amid high inflation, while maintaining market-based principles.
Prime Minister Rumen Radev described the initiative as a structured partnership between the government and the retail sector. He said that stabilizing prices for basic goods is a key priority and thanked participating companies for agreeing to voluntary price reductions.
“Today we are creating a strategic partnership between retail chains and the government, focused on stability, predictability, and social responsibility toward the most vulnerable groups in society,” Radev said, adding that the scheme is intended to benefit both consumers and domestic producers.
According to the government, the core mechanism involves a minimum 15% reduction in prices for goods in a defined “small consumer basket,” with the arrangement set to last at least six months. Some retailers, however, have pledged to maintain discounts for longer periods and expand the list of included products.
