Bulgaria’s annual inflation rate accelerated to 5.1% in August 2026, up from 4.5% in July, according to preliminary estimates. The increase was driven primarily by a sharper rise in transport prices (22.4% vs. 14.5%). Inflation also picked up in restaurants and accommodation services (9.6% vs. 9.3%), recreation, sport and culture (7.6% vs. 7.5%), and alcoholic beverages and tobacco (6.1% vs. 5.7%).
In contrast, price growth slowed for food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.6% vs. 1.2%), health (3.2% vs. 4.0%), and education (9.1% vs. 9.2%). Inflation in housing and utilities remained unchanged at 5.1%, while the decline in clothing and footwear prices moderated, with prices stabilizing at 0.0% compared with a 0.4% fall previously. Insurance and financial services moved into deflation (-0.3% vs. 1.1%).
On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 0.6% in August, easing from a 0.8% increase in July.