Bulgaria's annual inflation accelerates to 7.0% in May

Bulgaria's annual inflation rate is expected to rise to 7.0% in May from 6.8% in April, according to a flash estimate released by the National Statistical Institute (NSI).

The annual rate has accelerated sharply in recent months, after standing at 4.1% in March and 3.3% in February. Monthly inflation in May is projected at 0.2%, while annual inflation is expected to edge higher from April's 6.8%.

Compared with the previous month, the largest price increases are expected in transport, where prices are projected to rise by 1.2%, followed by restaurants and hotels and alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, both up 0.9%.

Prices are expected to fall in recreation, sport and culture, down 1.9%, and in personal care, social protection and miscellaneous goods and services, which are projected to decline by 0.3%.

Editor: Miglena Ivanova