site.btaUPDATED Consumer Basket Rises in Price in 2025 due to Climate Change affecting Fruits and Vegetables

The consumer basket's cost increased by BGN 12 in the third ten days (16-30) of May compared to the same period of the previous year reaching BGN 111, said Vladimir Ivanov, Chair of the Commodity Exchange and Wholesale Markets State Commission during a briefing at the commission's headquarters, at which he presented the weekly overview of wholesale price movements for basic food products, fruits and vegetables. He explained that this is not inflation, but a difference in May food prices as a whole. Of these BGN 12, BGN 9 are entirely due to the increase in the price of fruits and vegetables.

The consumer basket includes 27 basic food products, explained Vladimir Ivanov. He believes that current price levels are within normal limits and added that the markup in retail trade should be a maximum of 35-40%.

"Currently, the weather conditions are warm and relatively stable, which will lead to more rhythmic supplies and supply. However, the situation with vegetables is different. There is a good production volume for fruits, which is why a decrease in prices on the fruit and vegetable market is expected," said Vladimir Ivanov.

"Overall, 2025 is more expensive than 2024 and is currently approaching the levels of 2023. This is mainly due to climate change, which affects the supply of fruits and vegetables," he said.