Recent data indicates a notable rise in household electricity consumption in Bulgaria over the past two years, as reported by Svilen Kolev, deputy head of the National Statistical Institute. During a presentation to the National Assembly, Kolev attributed this upward trend to regulated price decisions and the overall increase in the cost of living. He highlighted that adjustments in electricity prices are closely tied to rulings from the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (KEVR), which have also contributed to rising consumer inflation. This has been reflected in higher utility bills experienced by some households, alongside increases in various goods and services.
Preliminary figures released at the beginning of February suggest a slight moderation in price growth. The overall cost of basic goods and services has increased by 3.6% year-on-year, while the month-on-month inflation rate for January compared to December was recorded at 0.7%.
Kolev further elaborated on long-term trends, noting that cumulative inflation has reached approximately 12% over the last three years, with a significant increase of slightly more than 40% over a five-year period. These figures are considered substantial within the current economic climate. Additionally, he addressed concerns regarding Bulgaria’s potential transition from the lev to the euro, which had raised alarms about possible price distortions. However, initial assessments indicate that such an impact may be limited to around 0.1–0.2% within the first month post-transition, significantly lower than previous forecasts.
