The small consumer basket in Bulgaria has increased significantly over the past year, rising by 8.9% in June 2026 compared with June 2025 and by 6.5% against December 2025, according to data from CITUB (Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria).
On a monthly basis, the basket also shows continued growth, increasing by 0.5% compared with May 2026. Its value stood at 61.82 euros in June, up from 61.51 euros in May, while in June 2025 it was recorded at 56.8 euros.
CITUB analysts describe the trend as a steady rise in the cost of essential goods, linking the acceleration since December to broader inflationary pressures. “These data show a sustained upward trend in the prices of basic goods,” the organization noted, adding that higher energy costs and geopolitical tensions, including the conflict involving Iran, are influencing global oil prices and feeding into domestic price levels.
The impact on households remains pronounced. The union points out that an average household allocates around 30% of its income to food, with some families reaching up to 36%, making any further price increases particularly burdensome.
Sharp increases are also observed in specific food items. Tomatoes and cucumbers have risen by 30.1% and 61.3% respectively over the year, while whole chicken prices are up by 16.3% annually.
