Preliminary data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI) indicated that consumer prices in Bulgaria increased by 0.7% in March on a monthly basis, while annual inflation reached 3.9%, according to the agency’s flash estimate.
The NSI has recently begun publishing so-called “flash inflation” figures, providing early readings on price dynamics before the release of full statistical breakdowns. This allows Bulgaria’s inflation data to be more quickly compared with that of eurozone countries, following the country’s entry into the monetary union on January 1.
Previous NSI data show that the flash estimate for February recorded monthly inflation of 0.3% and annual inflation of 3.3%. For January, the corresponding figures were 0.7% MoM and 3.6% YoY. Final statistics slightly adjusted these numbers, showing 0.4% monthly and 3.3% annual inflation for February, and 0.6% monthly and 3.5% annual inflation for January, with only minor differences between preliminary and final readings.
In March, price increases are expected in several key categories compared with the previous month. These include “Transport”, which is projected to rise by 5.5%, as well as “Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products” at 0.8%, “Information and communication” at 0.8%, and “Personal care, social protection and various goods and services” also at 0.8%.
At the same time, price declines are anticipated in other segments. “Entertainment, sports and culture” is expected to fall by 2.1%, “Clothing and footwear” by 0.9%, and “Home furnishings, household goods and services” by 0.2%, according to the preliminary NSI breakdown. (Novinite)