The trend of rising food prices, especially for essential goods, fruits, and vegetables, persisted in Bulgaria this week, according to the State Commission for Commodity Exchanges and Markets (DKSBT).
The Commission’s Market Price Index (MPI), which monitors wholesale food prices, climbed by 0.68% to reach 2.065 points, up from 2.051 points the previous week. The base level of the MPI is set at 1,000 points, a benchmark established in 2005.
This recent uptick in the MPI reflects continued volatility in the food market, impacting a wide range of products. Although some items experienced a decrease in prices, many others—especially greenhouse vegetables—have become noticeably more expensive.
Greenhouse Vegetables Drive Price Surge
Greenhouse vegetables were among the leading contributors to this week’s price increases. The cost of greenhouse cucumbers rose by a significant 8%, now priced at 2.88 leva per kilogram.
This jump reflects the increasing demand for cucumbers during the summer months when they are a staple in fresh salads and other dishes.
The upward trend in the price of greenhouse vegetables contrasts with the relative stability or declines in prices of some open-field produce.
For example, the price of open-field tomatoes, another summer favorite, dropped by 2.4%, with the current price set at 1.64 leva per kilogram. Despite this reduction, the price of other essential vegetables continued to climb.
Green peppers rose sharply by 8.4%, reaching 1.78 leva per kilogram, while red peppers saw a 4.1% increase to 1.90 leva per kilogram. These peppers are commonly used in various traditional Bulgarian dishes, which could impact household budgets if the trend continues.
Even potatoes, a staple food, saw a 4.2% rise in price, now costing 1.12 leva per kilogram. Carrots, another common vegetable, also experienced a slight increase of 1.4%, bringing their price to match that of potatoes.
However, not all vegetables followed this pattern. Ripe onions dropped in price by 6.6%, falling to 1.06 leva per kilogram, and cabbage saw a modest decrease of 0.5%, now priced at 1.02 leva per kilogram.
Fluctuations in Fruit Prices
In the fruit category, the fluctuations were similarly mixed. Lemons, which are often used in summer beverages and culinary dishes, increased by 4.1%, reaching 3.53 leva per kilogram. Bananas also saw a slight increase of 1%, now priced at 2.73 leva per kilogram.
On the other hand, peaches and grapes became slightly more affordable, both seeing a 1.3% decrease. Peaches are now priced at 2.06 leva per kilogram, and grapes are available for 2.40 leva per kilogram.
Watermelons, a popular summer fruit, saw a small price rise of 0.8%, bringing the cost to 0.62 leva per kilogram. While this increase is not as steep as that of other fruits, it still adds to the overall rising cost of fresh produce.
Dairy Products: Mixed Trends
Dairy products also experienced mixed price movements. Cow’s cheese, a Bulgarian household staple, increased by 0.9%, bringing the price to 11.27 leva per kilogram.
Similarly, “Vitosha” cheese, a popular variety in Bulgaria, saw a 0.7% rise, now costing 16.91 leva per kilogram. This marks a continuation of the gradual increase in dairy prices that consumers have faced in recent months.
However, not all dairy products followed this trend. Yogurt, which holds a prominent place in Bulgarian cuisine, especially those with 3% or higher fat content, saw a price drop of 0.8%, now priced at 1.25 leva for a 400-gram bucket. Conversely, fresh milk with 3% fat content rose in price by 1.3%, costing 2.33 leva per liter.
Meat and Egg Prices Inch Up
The meat and eggs category saw modest price increases. Chicken meat, a common source of protein in Bulgarian households, went up by 1.2%, bringing its price to 6.32 leva per kilogram.
Additionally, eggs (size M) increased by 0.8%, now priced at 0.30 leva per piece. These incremental rises contribute to the overall inflationary pressure on basic food items.
Staples: Mixed Movements for Grains and Oils
Staples like rice, lentils, beans, sugar, oil, and flour exhibited mixed price trends this week. The price of rice fell by 0.7%, now costing 3.31 leva per kilogram.
Lentils, however, became more expensive, rising by 0.5% to reach 4.41 leva per kilogram. Similarly, ripe beans dropped by 0.8%, now priced at 4.34 leva per kilogram.
Sugar, a widely used commodity in homes and food production, saw a significant decrease of 4.9%, bringing its price down to 2.01 leva per kilogram. This sharp decline offers some respite to consumers facing price hikes in other food categories.
In contrast, oil prices continued to rise, with a 0.5% increase bringing the price to 2.83 leva per liter. Type 500 flour, a common baking ingredient, increased by 5.1%, now priced at 1.34 leva per kilogram. Finally, cow butter (125-gram package) saw a 0.5% increase, reaching 2.77 leva per piece.
Inflationary Pressures Continue
The ongoing rise in food prices, driven by a variety of factors including production costs, seasonal demand, and supply chain disruptions, continues to weigh heavily on both consumers and businesses.
The rising costs of essential products such as vegetables, dairy, and meat are putting additional pressure on household budgets across Bulgaria.
The increase in prices of greenhouse vegetables, in particular, has been driven by higher production costs, including energy and labor, which have been exacerbated by the global economic situation.
This trend, combined with seasonal demand for fruits and vegetables during the summer months, has resulted in noticeable price increases for consumers.
On the other hand, some staple products like sugar and certain vegetables have seen price reductions, offering a measure of relief.
However, the overall upward trajectory of the MPI indicates that inflationary pressures are far from over, and consumers will likely continue to feel the effects in the weeks ahead.
Conclusion
As food prices continue to fluctuate, both upward and downward, Bulgarian consumers are navigating an increasingly complex market. While some fruits and vegetables, as well as dairy and staple products, have become more expensive, others have seen price declines.
The overall rise in the Market Price Index (MPI) underscores the ongoing challenges facing the food industry and consumers alike.
With greenhouse vegetables and dairy products showing the most significant price hikes, the impact on household budgets is expected to continue, especially if these trends persist.