NSI President Anticipates Inflation Growth in Bulgaria Amid Rising Bread and Electricity Prices

NSI President Anticipates Inflation Growth in Bulgaria Amid Rising Bread and Electricity Prices

Business

National Statistical Institute (NSI) President Assoc. Prof. Atanas Atanasov expects inflation in Bulgaria to rise due to increased bread and electricity prices, he told BTA. While the NSI does not issue forecasts, Atanasov noted that higher VAT on bread and restaurant services is already driving price hikes. "Bread and related products carry significant weight in the consumer basket, and electricity price changes will inevitably impact inflation," he explained, CE Report quotes BTA

In 2025, the NSI will update its inflation basket, adding four new goods and services while removing eight, including PCR tests for COVID-19, replaced by combination antigen and influenza tests. New entries include tumble dryers and school lunch coupons.

Atanasov highlighted a forthcoming change in the EU's inflation classification (COICOP) in 2026, designed to better reflect modern consumption patterns. The update will improve the relevance of statistical data for economic analysis and policymaking.

Bulgaria's potential Schengen accession may complicate certain surveys, such as tracking international tourism at border crossings. However, the NSI plans to adopt data collection methods used in other Schengen countries, including mobile phone movement data, as permitted under EU regulations. Cooperation with Greece will also enhance reporting on Bulgarian tourists.

Looking ahead, the NSI will focus on immigration data under the EU Directive on highly qualified employment, household consumption and finances, fast-growing enterprises, and gender equality in governance. A new classification of economic activities takes effect in 2025, alongside plans for a revised regionalization of the country, pending public consultation, Atanasov added.

Tags

Related articles

EU-US Trade Deal Averts Tariff War
Greece’s Finance Minister Kyriakos Pierrakakis hailed the new EU-US trade agreement as a positive development that ends months of uncertainty and prevents a potential trade war.
SME Lending Surges in Greece
Disbursements of new loans to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Greece rose by around 16% in the first half of the year, reaching €1.21 billion, according to banking estimates.
Greece Remains Investor-Friendly
Despite a broader drop in foreign direct investment (FDI) across Europe, Greece continues to appeal to international investors, according to the EY Attractiveness Survey Greece 2025.
Greece Posts €4.5 Billion Primary Surplus in H1 2025
Greece recorded a primary surplus of €4.52 billion in the first half of 2025, significantly surpassing the budget target of €2.24 billion, the Finance Ministry announced Friday. The figure also exceeded the €2.91 billion surplus posted in the same period last year.
Dan to Visit Austria for Bilateral, Economic Talks
Romanian President Nicușor Dan will visit Salzburg, Austria, on July 25–26 at the invitation of Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen.
ECB Holds Rates Steady Amid Inflation Target
The European Central Bank (ECB) kept its key interest rates unchanged on Thursday, in line with market expectations, pausing after eight consecutive cuts since June 2024.
Lottery Concession Attracts Two Bidders
Two investment groups have expressed interest in the international tender for a 10-year concession to operate and manage Greece’s State Lotteries, the Greek Superfund announced on Wednesday.
Greek SMEs, Citizens Protest Online Banking Fees
Citizens and small business owners in Greece are expressing growing frustration over excessive fees for online banking transactions, Athens Chamber of Tradesmen (EEA) President Yiannis Chatzitheodosiou said Wednesday.
Romania Risks Losing EU Billions Without Reforms
Romania risks missing out on billions in EU funds unless it accelerates key reforms, warned Cristian Popa, a member of the central bank's Board of Directors, in a LinkedIn post.