Bulgaria’s annual inflation rate rose to 3.9% in March 2026, up from a one-year low of 3.3% in February, according to preliminary estimates. Price growth accelerated for alcoholic beverages, tobacco and narcotics (6.7% vs. 6.2% in February), housing and utilities (4.1% vs. 3.6%), and recreation, sport and culture (16.7% vs. 15.7%). Transport costs also rebounded, increasing by 4.2% after a 1.9% decline in the previous month. In addition, prices in information and communication fell at a slower pace (-2.7% vs. -3.1%).
By contrast, inflation eased for food and non-alcoholic beverages (3.7% vs. 3.9%), furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance (0.1% vs. 0.5%), and personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services (5.8% vs. 6.0%). Prices in the health category declined more sharply (-4.7% vs. -4.1%).
On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 0.4% in March, slowing from a 0.6% increase in February.
