Bulgaria recorded monthly deflation of 0.9% in June 2026, while annual inflation remained at 5.4%, according to the latest data published by the National Statistical Institute (NSI).
The statistical agency reported that inflation since the beginning of the year has reached 2.9%. The average annual inflation rate for the period July 2025-June 2026 compared with the previous 12 months stands at 5.1%.
The decline in consumer prices in June was mainly driven by lower costs in several major categories. The strongest decrease was registered in transport, where prices fell by 3.3%. Food and non-alcoholic beverages became 1.9% cheaper, while clothing and footwear prices dropped by 1.1%. Prices for entertainment, sports and cultural activities also declined by 1%.
At the same time, several groups recorded price increases during the month. Restaurant and hotel services became 1.5% more expensive, educational services rose by 0.5%, healthcare costs increased by 0.2%, and personal care, social protection and various other goods and services also grew by 0.2%. Housing-related expenses, including water, electricity, gas and other fuels, increased slightly by 0.1%.
Food prices showed significant changes in individual product categories. The largest monthly declines were reported for cucumbers, which became 25.8% cheaper, followed by zucchini and eggplants with a decrease of 25.7%. Prices of peppers dropped by 20.9%, tomatoes by 20.2%, cabbage by 15%, potatoes by 10.5%, and beer by 5.5%.
Among food products that became more expensive, the biggest increases were recorded for root vegetables such as carrots and beetroot, which rose by 7.4%. Citrus fruits increased by 5.5%, while margarine prices grew by 2.8%. Olives became 2.1% more expensive, chocolate products increased by 1.8%, and cured sausages by 1.7%.
The NSI also reported notable price movements among non-food goods and services. The largest decreases were seen in propane-butane fuel for vehicles, which fell by 14.1%, international flight prices, which dropped by 9.5%, and diesel fuel, which became 9.4% cheaper.
Meanwhile, accommodation services recorded the biggest increase in this category, rising by 6.3%. Prices of motor lubricants and dishwashing detergents both increased by 2.6%.
“In June, a decrease in prices was registered for transportation, food and non-alcoholic beverages, clothing and footwear, while higher costs were reported for restaurants and hotels, as well as educational and healthcare services,” the NSI data showed.
According to the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), which is used to compare inflation levels across European Union countries, Bulgaria recorded monthly deflation of 0.5% in June. On an annual basis, inflation under this indicator stood at 5.2%.
The NSI data also showed that the price index for the small consumer basket decreased by 1% compared with May, while increasing by 2.7% on an annual basis.
For the lowest-income 20% of Bulgarian households, food prices decreased by 2.2% in June. At the same time, prices of non-food goods increased by 0.4%, while service costs rose by 0.1%.