Bulgaria: Inflation at seven-year high at year-end
Consumer prices increased 0.7% from the previous month in December, following November’s 0.5% rise. According to the Statistical Institute, December’s increase largely reflected a jump in prices for recreation and culture—due to seasonal factors—as well as higher prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages, which more than offset lower prices for clothing and footwear and communications.
Meanwhile, inflation soared to 3.8% from November’s 3.0%, marking the highest level since January 2013. Lastly, annual average inflation inched up from 3.0% in November to 3.1%.