Bulgarian annual inflation down to two per cent in April
Bulgaria’s annual consumer price inflation fell for a third straight month, reaching two per cent in April, data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI) showed on May 14.
The consumer price index recorded 0.4 per cent deflation in April, shrinking for the second month in a row, because of the lingering effects of electricity price cuts in March and the seasonal decrease in the price of foodstuffs.
Food prices were down by 0.6 per cent and services prices fell by 1.1 per cent compared to March, while non-food prices rose by 0.2 per cent.
In terms of annual inflation, food prices were 4.3 per cent higher than at the end of April 2012 and services were 1.7 per cent more expensive. Non-food prices fell by 0.7 per cent over the past 12 months, 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 April. On an annual basis, harmonised inflation was 0.9 per cent.
Food and beverages were 4.2 per cent more expensive, on an annual basis, partially offset by the 2.3 per cent deflation in transportation costs. The price of utilities and rent was 2.4 per cent higher, on an annual basis, down from 4.6 per cent a month earlier and 8.2 per cent on an annual basis in February. The three categories account for just over half of the harmonised consumer price index.
(Photo: svilen001/sxc.hu)
