NSI poll: Consumer confidence in Bulgaria plummets

A regular three-monthly poll by the National Statistical Institute (NSI), the results of which were released on November 6, shows that consumer confidence in Bulgaria has dropped by 6.9 percentage points.

The NSI found it to be slightly down in February. This was followed by a downturn in May, then an improvement in the poll reported in August.

In October 2026, there was decreased confidence among both urban and rural dwellers, by 5.3 and 11 percentage points, respectively, the NSI said.

Those polled were more pessimistic in their views of the economic situation in Bulgaria over the past 12 months and the coming 12 months.

Compared to July, their assessments and expectations about the changes in the financial situation of their households were also more negative.

In October, consumers’ assessments about the change of consumer prices over the past 12 months were more unfavourable. However, inflation expectations over the next 12 months were less intense, the NSI said.

While overall expectations were that unemployment in Bulgaria would slightly decrease over the coming 12 months, those living in cities expected that it would increase.

Most consumers saw the current economic situation in Bulgaria as unfavourable for savings.

Their attitude regarding intensions of spending on major purchases of durable goods and home improvements over the next 12 months was also negative, the NSI said.