The National Statistical Institute’s preliminary estimates point to a cooling inflation trend in Bulgaria in June 2026, with annual price growth expected to slow to 5.6% compared to 6.9% in May, which marked a near three-year peak. On a monthly basis, consumer prices are projected to fall by 0.8%, the first decline since September 2025.
According to the breakdown of monthly changes, the sharpest decreases are anticipated in transport, down 2.5%, followed by food and non-alcoholic beverages at minus 1.8%, clothing and footwear at minus 1.1%, and recreation, sports and culture at minus 1.0%. At the same time, increases are expected in restaurant and hotel services, up 1.5%, as well as in education at 0.5%, while healthcare and personal care-related services are both projected to rise by 0.2%.
On an annual basis, several key categories show a slowdown in price growth. Transport inflation is expected to ease to 17.8% from 21.6% in May. Food and non-alcoholic beverages are projected to slow to 2.5% from 4.4%, while alcoholic beverages and tobacco are expected at 6.7% compared to 7.7% a month earlier. Utility-related costs, including water, electricity, gas and heating, are also seen moderating slightly to 5.0% from 5.2%.
