Bulgaria’s annual inflation rate rose to 4.1% in March 2026, up from a preliminary estimate of 3.9% and higher than the 3.3% recorded in February. This was the fastest pace of price growth since December 2025, driven largely by a rebound in transport costs (5.8% vs -1.9% in February), as fuel prices climbed amid the conflict in the Middle East.
Inflation also accelerated in housing and utilities (4.1% vs 3.6%) and in alcoholic beverages and tobacco (6.7% vs 6.2%). At the same time, deflation in information and communication moderated (-2.7% vs -3.1%).
Price growth slowed, however, in several categories: food and non-alcoholic beverages (3.7% vs 3.9%), furnishings, household equipment and routine maintenance (0.1% vs 0.5%), and education (8.5% vs 8.6%). Inflation in clothing and footwear was flat after a 0.4% increase previously, while deflation deepened in health (-4.6% vs -4.1%).
On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose 0.9% in March, revised up from an initial estimate of 0.7% and following a 0.4% increase in February.
