Food prices in Bulgaria continue to rise significantly as they move from wholesale markets to retail stores, with some products seeing a price difference of up to 70%, according to data released by the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (KNSB).
The KNSB’s analysis of the slight consumer basket in February revealed a continuing trend of increasing costs for essential goods. The rising prices are putting pressure on household budgets across the country.
The value of the small consumer basket reached 59.48 euros in February, a 1.2% increase compared to January and nearly 5% higher than in June 2025, reported Violeta Ivanova, Deputy Director of the Institute for Social and Trade Union Research and Training at KNSB.
Whereas the overall increase remains within expected parameters, certain staple foods have experienced more substantial price hikes. Tomatoes increased by 6.6% from January, and cucumbers jumped 7.3% in a month, representing a 73.7% surge since June 2025. Bread prices also continued to climb, rising 1.4% from January, and 6.3% year-over-year. Ivanova noted that smaller retail outlets typically maintain higher prices for fruits and vegetables.
Some goods held steady in price during February. Mineral water and coffee prices remained unchanged from the previous month, though water costs are up 10.9% and espresso in a cup has increased by 43% compared to June 2025.
Prices for some services have also increased. Paid parking rose 0.8% from January, and hairdressing services increased by 0.6%. Taxi fares remained stable last month but have increased by 8.4% for daytime service and 9.2% for nighttime service since the beginning of the year.
KNSB President Plamen Dimitrov indicated that the price level of Bulgarian cow’s cheese and fresh milk is around 125% of the European average. The trade union also pointed out that the difference between wholesale and retail prices for products like rice and white beans exceeds 60%, calling for regulatory oversight.
The data also reveals significant regional price disparities, reaching up to 20% for certain goods. For example, there’s a roughly 2 euro difference in the price of cheese between Gabrovo and Veliko Tarnovo. Cooled chicken is 1.49 euros more expensive in Dobrich compared to Varna, pork leg costs 1.83 euros more in Vidin than in Burgas, and eggs in Blagoevgrad are 1.03 euros pricier than in Lovech.
Regarding income, Plamen Dimitrov reported a real increase in the average wage of 23.3% in 2025 compared to 2021, with a rise of 18.5% in the public sector and 23.5% in the private sector. The minimum wage also saw a real increase of 30.9% during the 2021-2026 period.
Dimitrov also commented on the state of public finances, stating that the consolidated fiscal program for 2025 shows total revenues exceeding 86 billion leva, while expenditures surpass 92 billion leva. He explained that the state’s own revenues cover basic current expenses, including salaries and pensions, while loans and European Union funds are primarily directed towards capital investments.
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