site.btaFresh Pepper Prices Up by Over 50% Nationwide, Imported Citrus Fruits Cheaper - Agricultural Market Information System

A sharp increase in the price of fresh peppers of more than 50% nationwide has been recorded, while imported citrus fruits, oranges and pears, have posted a significant decline in prices. This is shown by data from the weekly analysis of the Agricultural Market Information System (AMIS) for the ninth week of 2026 (as of February 26), provided to the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) on Sunday. Dairy products and staple foods remain price stable.

Products with the largest price changes

The reporting period shows an exceptionally strong increase in pepper prices. The national average price of fresh peppers reached EUR 9.05 per kg, representing a 58% increase compared with the previous week. Significant regional differences were observed: in Ruse, Varna and Dobrich prices are around EUR 12.73 per kg, while in Lovech, Sofia and Pernik they range between EUR 4.10 and EUR 4.22 per kg.

The threefold difference between regions indicates disrupted supply chains or local shortages, AMIS noted.

Possible reasons cited in the analysis include seasonal production setbacks in greenhouse crops, logistical difficulties in the Balkans related to geopolitical tensions in the Black Sea region, and increased demand amid limited supply.

Price increases were also recorded for mandarins, up 6% to EUR 4.01 per kg; carrots, up 6% to EUR 3.34 per kg; apples, up 2% to EUR 3.98 per kg; and tomatoes, up 2% to EUR 5.42 per kg.

At the same time, the decline in prices of imported citrus fruits – oranges (down 17% to EUR 2.62 per kg), pears (down 7% to EUR 5.62 per kg) and bananas (down 2% to EUR 2.60 per kg) – is typical for the peak seasonal supply period from the Southern Mediterranean and Latin America. A favourable window for consumers is expected over the next two to three weeks before supply begins to decline.

Monthly price dynamics, February 2026

February 2026 showed mixed dynamics in the fruit and vegetable segment. Winter local vegetables such as carrots, onions and cucumbers recorded moderate price increases of between 2% and 6%, following typical winter supply patterns. Unusually for the season, peppers registered a sharp price rise at the end of the month – a trend expected to determine price levels in March. Imported fruits declined seasonally.

The dairy segment remained notably stable. Yogurt, white brined cheese and yellow cheese produced according to the Bulgarian State Standard showed no deviations from the previous week. The national average prices are EUR 0.92 per cup of yogurt, EUR 12.08 per kg of white brined cheese, and EUR 15.68 per kg of yellow cheese. Organic products such as honey (EUR 15.22 per kg) and hen eggs (EUR 0.62 per egg) also remain stable.

Regional differences are most pronounced for products with more complex supply chains. Organic honey ranges from EUR 8.94 to EUR 20.44 per kg depending on the region. Markets in Plovdiv, Burgas and Veliko Tarnovo traditionally offer a wider price range, reflecting a competitive trading environment. Markets in Vidin, Vratsa and Montana report limited supply in certain product categories.

Consumer guidance amid the current geopolitical situation

Citrus fruits - act now: Oranges and pears are currently at their lowest levels in recent weeks. It is advisable to increase purchases within the next 10–14 days before the end of the season. Consumers may also consider stocking lemons rich in vitamin C, as geopolitical instability in the Black Sea–Mediterranean region could disrupt citrus import chains in the short term.

Peppers - wait or diversify: With a recorded increase of 58%, fresh peppers are currently a product to postpone buying. Alternatives with high nutritional value include carrots (EUR 3.34 per kg) and tomatoes (EUR 5.42 per kg). Frozen peppers from previous stocks are currently a more economical option.

Dairy products - stable, buy regularly: The absence of price fluctuations in this segment is good news for households. Current levels are suitable for regular purchases. In conditions of geopolitical uncertainty, locally produced dairy products meeting the BDS standard are more resilient to supply chain disruptions than imported goods.

Diversify the basket with local produce: With continuing disruptions along international trade corridors (Black Sea, Suez Canal, Balkan transit routes), imported goods are more vulnerable. Local alternatives such as apples (EUR 3.98 per kg), carrots, potatoes (EUR 2.48 per kg) and onions (EUR 3.40 per kg) have strong domestic supply.

Regional price comparison for nuts and delicacies: Walnuts (EUR 19.87 per kg), almonds (EUR 24 per kg) and hazelnuts (EUR 26.62 per kg) remain stable but expensive. For purchases above 2 kg, comparing prices between larger commercial centres (Plovdiv, Varna, Sofia) and local markets may lead to savings of up to 20–25%.

Geopolitical context and price risks

The current price situation in February 2026 should be viewed in the broader geopolitical context, AMIS noted.

Black Sea transit: Ongoing tensions in the region affect transport costs for goods originating from Ukraine, Turkiye and Georgia. Sunflower oil, grain and vegetables from these markets remain exposed to price volatility.

Suez Canal: Disruptions in shipping in the Red Sea are extending transport routes for imported tropical fruits (bananas, pineapples) and nuts. The current decline in banana prices may therefore be temporary.

European Green Deal: Stricter EU regulations on pesticides and fertilizers are gradually increasing production costs for conventional vegetables, creating structural upward pressure on the prices of peppers, tomatoes and cucumbers.

Energy costs: Greenhouse production in Bulgaria is highly dependent on natural gas and electricity prices. The winter rise in pepper prices is partly structurally linked to energy costs.