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. source: National Statistical Institute, Bulgaria

Inflation Rate in Bulgaria increased to 7 percent in May from 6.80 percent in April of 2026. Inflation Rate in Bulgaria averaged 50.26 percent from 1996 until 2026, reaching an all time high of 2019.50 percent in March of 1997 and a record low of -2.60 percent in February of 2014. This page provides the latest reported value for - Bulgaria Inflation Rate - plus previous releases, historical high and low, short-term forecast and long-term prediction, economic calendar, survey consensus and news. Bulgaria Inflation Rate - data, historical chart, forecasts and calendar of releases - was last updated on June of 2026.

Inflation Rate in Bulgaria increased to 7 percent in May from 6.80 percent in April of 2026. Inflation Rate in Bulgaria is expected to be 7.50 percent by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. In the long-term, the Bulgaria Inflation Rate is projected to trend around 4.00 percent in 2027 and 2.90 percent in 2028, according to our econometric models.



Calendar GMT Reference Actual Previous Consensus TEForecast
2026-05-18 08:00 AM
Inflation Rate YoY Final
Apr 6.8% 4.1% 7.1%
2026-06-01 08:00 AM
Inflation Rate YoY Prel
May 7.0% 6.8% 7.5%
2026-06-15 08:00 AM
Inflation Rate YoY Final
May 6.8% 7.0%


Related Last Previous Unit Reference
Consumer Price Index CPI 105.65 103.55 points Apr 2026
CPI Housing Utilities 103.56 103.05 points Apr 2026
CPI Transportation 119.50 108.08 points Apr 2026
Export Prices 102.80 100.00 points Dec 2025
Food Inflation 5.70 3.70 percent Apr 2026
Harmonised Consumer Prices 105.04 104.69 points May 2026
Harmonised Inflation Rate MoM 1.80 1.00 percent Apr 2026
Harmonised Inflation Rate YoY 6.30 6.00 percent May 2026
Import Prices 101.30 98.20 points Dec 2025
Inflation Rate YoY 7.00 6.80 percent May 2026
PPI MoM 1.90 -0.80 percent Apr 2026
Producer Prices 152.00 149.10 points Apr 2026
PPI YoY 15.20 8.10 percent Apr 2026


Bulgaria Inflation Rate
In Bulgaria, the most important category in the consumer price index is Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages (32 percent of total weight). Housing and Utilities accounts for 17 percent; Transport for 9 percent; Health for 8 percent; Furniture, Household Goods and Maintenance for 6 percent and Communication for 5 percent. Alcoholic beverages and Tobacco; Miscellaneous Goods and Services; Recreation and Culture; Clothing and Footwear; Restaurant and Hotels and Education account for the remaining 23 percent of total weight.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
7.00 6.80 2019.50 -2.60 1996 - 2026 percent Monthly
1995=100, NSA

News Stream
Bulgaria Inflation Rate Climbs to Near 3-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.
2026-06-01
Bulgaria Inflation Rate Rises Near 3-Year High
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.
2026-05-18
Bulgaria Inflation Rate Highest Since 2023
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.
2026-04-29