The annual inflation rate has accelerated in March for the 13^th consecutive month, reaching 12.4% as compared to 10% in February, reaching its highest level since 2008, National Statistical Institute data show. Within the space of just one month, consumer prices have gone up by 2.2%, transport costs by 7.9%, food and soft drinks by 3.3%, hotel and restaurant prices by 2.8%.  

Finance Minister Assen Vassilev declared that all proposals for addressing the inflationary pressure will have been summarized within a fortnight, and the package of measures will be ready before the update of the budget in summer.

“The biggest inflationary pressure comes from the supply chain, food, and that is where a large part of the measures should be targeted. The other direction major pressure will probably come from are metals,” he commented.