site.btaBulgaria's Annual Inflation Eases to 4.4% in July

Bulgaria's annual inflation slowed to 4.4% in July from 5.4% in June, according to the National Statistical Institute's (NSI) flash estimate released on Thursday.

Consumer prices are expected to have risen 0.7% month on month in July, following 0.9% deflation in June.

The largest monthly price increases are expected in recreation, sports and culture (11.5%), restaurants and hotels (2.3%), and housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (2%). The biggest declines are projected for clothing and footwear (2.9%), transport (2.6%), and food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.8%).

According to the EU-harmonized index of consumer prices (HICP), annual inflation is expected to reach 4.1% in July, while monthly inflation is estimated at 0.4%.

The small basket index, which reflects the spending patterns of the lowest-income 20% of households, is expected to decline by 0.3% month on month and increase by 2.1% year on year, with food and non-food prices decreasing and services rising. 

The NSI said it will publish the final inflation data for July on August 17.