Bulgaria’s inflation rises to 5.7% in September as fuel pushes up transport costs
Final data from the NSI statistics office came in above the 5.6% flash estimate. Transport costs rose 3.7% in a month, while holidays and travel became markedly cheaper.
Graphic: TERRA WORLD NEWS (own graphic based on the sources listed)
Bulgaria’s annual inflation rate accelerated to 5.7% in September from 5.1% in August, final data from the National Statistical Institute showed on Wednesday. The flash estimate had put it at 5.6%. Consumer prices fell 0.2% from the previous month, compared with a flash estimate of minus 0.3%. Prices have risen 4.2% since the start of the year and 42.4% over five years. The harmonized index of consumer prices showed 5.6% annual inflation and no change from August.
Transport recorded the biggest monthly increase at 3.7%. Compressed natural gas for vehicles rose 7.4%, A95 gasoline 6.4% and diesel 5.5%. Education services climbed 3.2%, alcohol and tobacco 1.1%, and food and non-alcoholic beverages 0.7%. Potatoes jumped 36.5% and cucumbers 22%, while grapes and peppers fell more than 10%.
Prices for recreation, sport and culture dropped 10.2%, with package holidays down 15.8%, accommodation down 11.6% and international flights down 10.2%. Restaurants and hotels became 1.1% cheaper. The so-called small basket, which tracks spending by low-income households, rose 0.4% from August and 2.1% from a year earlier.