site.btaAnnual Inflation Rate in Bulgaria at 3.3% in February 2026 - Flash Estimate

The monthly inflation rate in February 2026, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), is expected to be 0.3% and the annual inflation rate is expected to be 3.3%, according to the flash estimates of the National Statistical Institute (NSI), announced on Monday.

NSI announced their first flash estimates of the year on February 3, when the monthly inflation rate in January 2026 was expected to be 0.7% and the annual rate to be 3.6%. With the publishing of inflation flash estimate data, which provides early information on inflation rates, before the publication of the final and detailed statistical data, Bulgaria, after becoming part of the monetary union on January 1, 2026, can already be compared on this indicator with the other 20 members of the euro area.

On February 16, NSI announced preliminary data for January, according to which monthly inflation was 0.6% and annual 3.5%, specifying that January data is always preliminary, as surveys of household budget data is expected to be completed by the end of February. It is expected that final inflation rates data for January and February will be announced in March.

In February 2026, compared to the previous month, the following groups are expected to have the highest increase: Information and communication (1.3%), Alcoholic beverages, tobacco (0.9%), Restaurants and accommodation services (0.8%) and Food and non-alcoholic beverages (0.7%). The following groups are expected to show decrease: Clothing and footwear (-1.9%) and Furnishings, household equipment and routine household maintenance (-0.9%).

Price Index of a Small Basket (PISB)

According to the NSI flash estimates, in February 2026, the monthly inflation rate is expected to be 0.6% and the annual inflation rate is expected to be 2.9%.

In February 2026, compared to the previous month, the prices of goods and services in the small basket for the 20% of households with the lowest income are expected as follows: Food products with an increase of 1.2%; Services (0.1%); Non-food products (-0.2%).