Bulgarian Trade Unions Report Living Cost Hike

Prices of many food items in Bulgaria have been steadily climbing since January. File photo

Living cost in Bulgaria went up by 3.3% in the four months since the beginning of the year, according to data from the Institute for Social Research at the Confederation of Independent Syndicates in Bulgaria, KNSB.

The minimum monthly amount needed for one person has reached BGN 528 with 27% of Bulgarian households being under the poverty line of BGN 199, according to the trade union's data.

A four-member family needs BGN 2 112 a month to pay household bills, buy food and clothes, and go on vacation.

Compared to the same period of 2010, living cost is up 8% or BGN 156 for a four-member family.

The main reasons are attributed to the increase of excise duties, higher prices for transport, services, fuel and food.

Among the basis food staples – bread prices went up 10% since the beginning of 2011; meat and meat products are up 1.5%, fruit – 9%; vegetables – 23%.

Data further shows households' income went down by 1.4% in 2010 while the average monthly income per household member – BGN 318 is 60% of the money needed to lead a normal life.

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