Bulgaria’s Commission for the Protection of Competition (CPC) has launched a preliminary investigation into the sunflower oil market following media reports of an expected price increase linked to a weaker sunflower seed harvest this year.
The regulator said the study aims to determine whether potential anti-competitive practices or market distortions are driving unjustified price hikes.
As part of the probe, the CPC has requested information from market participants and government institutions covering the period from 2022 to the present. Sunflower oil producers have been asked to disclose details on their ownership structures, raw material suppliers, production volumes, and sales channels, including how much output is directed to the domestic market, exports, or internal use. They must also provide information on raw material availability, alternative supply sources, and distribution networks.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has been asked to supply data on domestic sunflower producers and to assess whether the expected 2025 yield will meet market demand. The CPC also requested an evaluation of possible state measures if additional imports are needed to cover shortages.
The watchdog stressed that its inquiry seeks to establish whether price movements are justified by objective market conditions, or whether they stem from collusion, abuse of market power, or other antitrust violations. If sufficient evidence is found, the CPC said it would open formal proceedings under competition law.
Sunflower oil is a staple product in Bulgaria, where price fluctuations can have a significant impact on household budgets and food producers.
