Bulgarian food faces power price pinch

A Bulgarian food industry representative, Mr. Mihaylov, warned that excluding livestock, farming, and processing sectors from electricity compensation threatens to make domestic food production unaffordable or force closures. He explained that heightened electricity costs would raise production expenses, a burden livestock breeders cannot absorb, leading to higher consumer prices or shuttered businesses. This would trigger a domino effect across the entire food production chain.

Mihaylov identified another significant challenge in a mandated state software system known as SUPTO. He described it as an unnecessary financial and organizational burden, with implementation costs potentially reaching 50,000 leva, which would be unbearable for many small and medium enterprises. He argued this system unfairly burdens transparent businesses while those operating in the gray sector evade such pressures.

He expressed hope that the Ministry of Energy and Council of Ministers would correct the omission, noting they had submitted arguments and received support from the Minister of Agriculture. Mihaylov also highlighted export risks, stating that over 60 percent of production goes to non-EU markets where higher costs would destroy competitiveness. He concluded that without state support, the rural economy would suffer from lost jobs and investors, ultimately harming Bulgarian consumers and the national economy.