Wholesale food prices in Bulgaria experienced divergent trends over the past week, with vegetables and dairy products registering increases, while fruit prices fell, according to data from the State Commodity Exchanges and Markets Commission (DKSBT), cited by BTA.
The market price index (MPI), which tracks wholesale price fluctuations, rose by 0.74% to reach 2.183 points, up from 2.167 points the previous week. This uptick reflects a notable rise in the prices of staple vegetables and other essential commodities.
Vegetables on the Rise
Greenhouse vegetables led the surge in prices. Greenhouse cucumbers climbed to BGN 3.17 per kilogram, while greenhouse tomatoes saw an even steeper increase, reaching BGN 3.74 per kilogram. Other staples also became costlier, with potatoes priced at BGN 1.24 per kilogram and cabbage at BGN 1.32 per kilogram.
Lettuce, often considered a salad essential, rose to BGN 1.14 per piece. Ripe garlic saw one of the sharpest increases, now trading at BGN 5.97 per kilogram. Carrots, however, bucked the trend, with prices dropping to BGN 1.18 per kilogram.
Fruits Become More Affordable
While vegetable prices surged, fruit prices recorded a decline. Mandarins are now priced at BGN 2.32 per kilogram, oranges at BGN 2.09 per kilogram, and lemons at BGN 2.18 per kilogram. Apples, another popular staple, fell to BGN 1.68 per kilogram, offering some relief to consumers.
Dairy and Meat: Mixed Trends
In the dairy sector, cow cheese saw a slight price hike, now costing BGN 11.55 per kilogram. The premium “Vitosha” cheese, however, remained stable at BGN 17.28 per kilogram. Yogurt prices increased to BGN 1.29 for a 400-gram container, while fresh milk experienced a marginal decline to BGN 2.39 per liter.
Chicken meat prices also rose, with wholesale rates now at BGN 6.40 per kilogram. Eggs, sized medium, continue to rise modestly, trading at BGN 0.34 per piece.
Cereals and Pulses Up, Oil and Sugar Show Variance
Prices of cereals and pulses also edged upward, reflecting global trends in food commodities. Rice now costs BGN 3.39 per kilogram, lentils BGN 4.50 per kilogram, and mature beans BGN 4.46 per kilogram.
Cooking oil increased to BGN 3.11 per liter, a significant rise that may impact household budgets. Type 500 flour rose to BGN 1.36 per kilogram. Meanwhile, cow butter and sugar provided minor reprieves; butter dropped to BGN 3.02 for a 125-gram package, and sugar declined slightly to BGN 1.90 per kilogram.
Market Dynamics in Focus
The mixed pricing trends reflect a dynamic wholesale market influenced by seasonal factors, supply chain adjustments, and global economic conditions. Rising vegetable and cereal prices could challenge households, while the drop in fruit prices offers a silver lining.
These fluctuations come as Bulgaria’s economy grapples with broader inflationary pressures affecting household budgets and consumption patterns. Policymakers and market analysts are closely monitoring the developments to mitigate potential economic strains.
The latest trends underscore the need for vigilance in price monitoring and support for consumers facing an increasingly complex food market landscape.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members