Bulgaria's consumer price inflation continued to decline in August, reaching its lowest level in over three years, primarily driven by reduced costs for clothing, footwear, and communication, according to data released by the National Statistical Institute on Monday.
The Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 2.1 percent year-over-year in August, a deceleration from the 2.4 percent rise observed in July.
This latest inflation rate marks the lowest since April 2021, when prices had increased by 2.0 percent.
Clothing and footwear costs saw a more rapid decline, falling by 2.5 percent annually in August, while communication expenses decreased by 4.0 percent. Additionally, transport costs were 0.2 percent lower.
Conversely, the annual price growth for food and non-alcoholic beverages accelerated to 2.3 percent from 1.5 percent. Similarly, utility costs rose at a faster rate of 2.8 percent compared to a 2.5 percent increase the previous month.
On a monthly basis, consumer prices inched up by 0.1 percent in August, following a 0.8 percent rise in the prior month.
EU-harmonized inflation eased to 2.4 percent in August from 2.8 percent in July. Month-on-month, the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) increased by 0.1 percent.
