According to Vladimir Ivanov, Chair of the State Commission for Commodity Exchanges and Wholesale Markets, Bulgaria is currently experiencing a seasonal dip in food prices, consistent with annual trends. Ivanov noted that this year's decline is slower than the previous year, attributed to adverse weather conditions affecting supply chains, particularly for fruits.
Recent data indicates a BGN 2 (about USD 1.10) reduction in the cost of the consumer basket. Specific price changes include a BGN 0.50 (approximately USD 0.28) decrease per kilogram of fresh potatoes due to increased availability, and a drop of BGN 0.25 (about USD 0.14) for cabbage, although this remains higher than last year's levels. Lemon prices have increased by BGN 0.21 (approximately USD 0.12) due to supply limitations.
The price of cherries experienced a sharp, temporary spike during the religious observance of the Saturday of Souls. Ivanov criticized the surge as an unfair practice driven by a minority of traders, lasting around six hours. While major retail chains maintained their cherry prices at BGN 12 (about USD 6.85) per kilogram, smaller markets reported prices jumping from BGN 14 (approximately USD 8.00) to BGN 20 (about USD 11.40) per kilogram. Ivanov called for better market discipline.
Apricot prices have declined, but local production may be weak, increasing reliance on imports.
Source: Bulgarian News Agency