Bulgarian consumers saw a mixed bag at the grocery store this week, with fruit prices dipping while some vegetables and basic food items saw increases, according to the latest bulletin from the State Commission for Commodity Exchanges and Markets (DKSBT).
The market price index (CPI), which tracks wholesale food prices in Bulgaria, climbed by 0.64 percent to 2,197 points this week. Last week, the ITC stood at 2,183 points. The base level of the ITC, set at 1,000 points, dates back to 2005.
Produce price Fluctuations
Greenhouse tomatoes saw a 5.5 percent price increase, reaching BGN 3.84 per kilogram. In contrast, greenhouse cucumbers became more affordable, dropping 3 percent to BGN 3.15 per kilogram. “The price of lettuce jumped by 6.2 percent to BGN 1.16 per piece, and that of carrots by 1.7 percent to BGN 1.18 per kilogram,” the report noted.
Ripe onions experienced a slight increase of 0.7 percent, reaching BGN 1.14 per kilogram. Meanwhile, ripe garlic saw a 2 percent decrease, settling at BGN 5.75 per kilogram.Potatoes also became cheaper, dropping 2.9 percent to BGN 1.20 per kilogram, and cabbage prices fell by 3.6 percent to BGN 29 per kilogram.
Fruit Prices Decline
Fruit prices generally trended downwards this week. Oranges became 4.1 percent cheaper, available at BGN 2.08 per kilogram, while tangerines dropped 1.7 percent to BGN 2.38 per kilogram. Grapefruits fell by 1.3 percent to BGN 2.32 per kilogram, and bananas saw a slight decrease of 0.2 percent to BGN 2.66 per kilogram. Apples also became more affordable, down 0.9 percent to BGN 1.70 per kilogram. Lemons were the exception, rising 2.7 percent to BGN 2.32 per kilogram.
Dairy and Meat Prices
Cow’s cheese saw a 1.2 percent increase, reaching BGN 11.64 per kilogram. Vitosha type cheese, however, became slightly cheaper, dropping by a minimum of 0.3 percent to BGN 17.26 per kilogram. Yogurt (with 3 and over 3 percent fat content) dropped 1.9 percent, selling for BGN 1.26 for a 400 g bucket. Fresh milk (3 percent fat content) also decreased, falling 2.6 percent to BGN 2.36 per liter.
“The price of chicken meat increased by 0.9 percent to BGN 6.42 per kilogram,and that of eggs (size M) – by 2.9 percent to BGN 0.35 per piece wholesale,” the report stated.
Other staples
Rice saw a 2.3 percent increase, reaching BGN 3.44 per kilogram. Lentils became 0.5 percent cheaper, selling for BGN 4.44 per kilogram, and ripe beans also dropped 0.5 percent, trading at BGN 4.42 per kilogram.Oil prices rose 4.8 percent to BGN 3.26 per liter, while flour type 500 increased 4.4 percent to BGN 1.37 per kilogram. Sugar saw a 2.8 percent increase, reaching BGN 1.99 per kilogram. Cow butter (packet of 125 grams) became slightly cheaper, dropping 0.2 percent to BGN 3.03 per unit.
Source: dnes.bg
## Bulgarian Consumers Feel the Pinch as Food Prices Remain Volatile
**By [Your Name], World Today News**
We sat down with **[Expert Name]**, an economist specializing in Bulgarian market trends, too analyze the recent fluctuations in grocery prices and what they mean for consumers.
**WTN:** The latest bulletin from the State Commission for Commodity Exchanges and Markets (DKSBT) shows mixed results for Bulgarian shoppers. Can you break down what this means for the average consumer?
**[Expert Name]**: Certainly. While the drop in fruit prices might seem like good news, it’s important to remember it’s being offset by increases in the price of vegetables and other staple items. This creates a complex situation where consumers might see savings on some things, but then face higher costs for others.
**WTN:** The market price index (CPI) showed an increase this week. How concerning is this trend?
**[Expert Name]:** The CPI rising by 0.64% this week, bringing it to 2,197 points, is definitely a cause for vigilance. While a single week’s data doesn’t paint the full picture,continued increases coudl signal a broader inflationary trend. This would put further pressure on household budgets, especially for lower-income families who spend a larger portion of their income on food.
**WTN:** What factors might be driving these fluctuating prices?
**[Expert name]:** there are several factors at play. Global supply chain issues, increasing energy costs, and volatile weather patterns are all contributing to price instability in the agricultural sector.These problems are compounded by the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has significantly impacted the prices of key agricultural commodities.
**WTN:** What can Bulgarian consumers do to navigate this challenging economic environment?
**[Expert Name]:** Conscious shopping is key. Planning meals in advance, utilizing seasonal produce, and comparing prices across different retailers can definitely help minimize the impact of price hikes. Additionally, supporting local farmers and producers whenever possible can often lead to fresher, more affordable options.
**WTN:** Looking ahead, what are your predictions for the Bulgarian food market in the coming months?
**[expert Name]:** Volatility is likely to persist in the short term, as the global economic landscape remains uncertain. Though, I expect to see some stabilization in the medium term as supply chain issues abate and global energy prices moderate. It’s crucial for the Bulgarian government to continue implementing policies that support farmers and promote a lasting and resilient food system.
Thank You.
