Bulgarian annual inflation down to 2.7% in March
Bulgaria’s annual consumer price inflation fell to 2.7 per cent in March, declining for a second straight month, data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI) showed on April 12.
The consumer price index recorded 0.5 per cent deflation in March, mainly because of the electricity price cuts at the start of the month. Food prices were up by 0.4 per cent and non-food prices fell by 0.4 per cent, while services prices were 2.1 per cent lower compared to February.
In terms of annual inflation, food prices were 4.8 per cent higher than at the end of March 2012 and services were 3.2 per cent more expensive. Non-food prices fell by 0.4 per cent in that time, NSI data showed.
The harmonised consumer price index, calculated by the statistics board for comparison with European Union data, fell by 0.4 per cent in March. On an annual basis, harmonised inflation was 1.6 per cent.
Food and beverages were 4.8 per cent more expensive, on an annual basis, partially offset by the 0.5 per cent deflation in transportation costs. The price of utilities and rent was 4.6 per cent higher, on an annual basis, down from 8.2 per cent a month earlier. The three categories account for just over half of the harmonised consumer price index.
(Photo: svilen001/sxc.hu)
