Bulgaria Inflation Rate Hits 1-Year High

The annual inflation rate in Bulgaria climbed to 7.0% in May 2026 from 6.8% in the previous month, according to preliminary estimates. It marked the highest reading since August 2023, as prices accelerated mainly for transportation (22.1% vs 18.5% in April) due to the ongoing Middle East war that disrupted oil supplies. Prices increased as well for alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics (7.7% vs 7.4%), housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (5.2% vs 4.7%), and restaurants and accommodation services (9.4% vs 9.3%). Meanwhile, recreation, sport and culture inflation remained elevated at 15.8%, although it eased from 17.0% in April. In contrast, price growth slowed for food and non-alcoholic beverages (4.9% vs 5.3%) and furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance (0.9% vs 1.2%), while clothing and footwear prices declined (-0.4% vs 0.0%). On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.2%, easing significantly from a 1.8% increase in the previous month.

The annual inflation rate in Bulgaria climbed to 6.8% in April 2026 from 4.1% in the previous month, below the preliminary estimate of 7.1%. This marked the highest reading since August 2023, as prices accelerated for food and non-alcoholic beverages (5.3% vs 3.7% in March), alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and narcotics (7.4% vs 6.7%), housing and utilities (4.7% vs 4.1%), furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance (1.2% vs 0.1%), transport (18.5% vs 5.8%), recreation, sport, and culture (17.0% vs 16.8%), education (9.1% vs 8.5%), restaurants and accommodation services (9.3% vs 9.0%), insurance and financial services (2.7% vs 0.7%), and miscellaneous goods and services (6.7% vs 5.7%). Additionally, costs rebounded for health (4.3% vs -4.6%) and information and communication (0.3% vs -2.7%), while clothing and footwear prices remained flat. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 1.8%, the fastest increase in over a year, after a 0.9% gain in March.

The annual inflation rate in Bulgaria climbed to 7.1% in April 2026 from 4.1% in the previous month, preliminary estimates showed. It marked the highest reading since August 2023, as prices accelerated for food and non-alcoholic beverages (5.7% vs 3.7% in March), housing and utilities (4.7% vs 4.1%), and transport (20.3% vs 5.8%), amid a prolonged Middle East war that has severely disrupted global supplies of oil and natural gas. Price increases came despite the Bulgarian government announcing a €100 million support package in response to energy price shocks linked to the ongoing Middle East crisis, aimed at easing pressure on fuels, transport, agriculture, and electricity costs, while also improving liquidity access for small and medium-sized enterprises. The €20 monthly support for the most vulnerable individuals due to high fuel prices has been in effect since March 26. On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 2% from 0.9% in March, marking the highest level since January 2025.