sofia Investigates Rising School Meal Prices
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The Sofia Municipality and the Commission for Consumer Protection (KZP) have launched investigations into recent price increases for school meals across the city. The move comes in response to reports of rising costs for students, prompting concerns from parents and officials alike.
Price Checks and Legal Scrutiny
Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev emphasized the importance of affordable school meals, stating, “We are checking the facts, talking to all parties and demanding a result. School meals are a sensitive service and there is no room for experiments with prices. Decisions must be realistic, justified and in the interest of the children.”
The KZP has already identified price increases in some school canteens as of January 2026. Investigations will focus on the economic justification for these increases and whether they comply with legal regulations, especially concerning the transition to the Euro and potential dual pricing abuses. The KZP warns that unjustified price hikes related to the currency transition will be subject to fines ranging from BGN 5,000 to BGN 100,000.
Contract Compliance and Indexation Mechanisms
Alongside the KZP’s investigation,the metropolitan Municipality is reviewing contracts with school meal providers to ensure adherence to agreed-upon terms and pricing. This includes examining the mechanisms for price indexation, which are permitted under contracts lasting three to five years.
Price adjustments within these contracts are contingent upon several factors: official inflation rates as reported by the National Statistical Institute (NSI), a sound economic justification presented to the regional mayor, and a positive assessment from the Capital Municipality’s “Education” Directorate. As of early 2026, no supplier companies have yet received a positive opinion from the “education” Directorate regarding price increases.
Recent Instances of Price Reversal
Instances of unlawful price increases have already been identified in the Krasno Selo and Vazrazhdane districts. The mayor of vazrazhdane has mandated that a local provider revert to previous pricing, effective January 5th, and refund any overcharged amounts to students, either directly or through deductions from future meal coupons.
Citizen Reporting and Transparency
Authorities are urging traders to respect contractual obligations and only increase prices when demonstrably justified. Citizens are encouraged to report any concerns through the Sofia Municipality’s reporting platform: https://call.sofia.bg/.
Background: Recent Price Increases at 32nd School
Parents at the 32nd school in Sofia recently received notification of increased meal coupon prices. Coupons for students aged 7-13 now cost BGN 5.50, while those for students aged 13-18 cost BGN 7.80.The stated reason for the increase is a rise in the costs of food products, raw materials, energy, labor, and logistics.
Published: 2026/01/08 01:10:42