Inflation rates by country and year

-1.4%263.5%528.5%793.4%1,058.4%
-1.4%263.5%528.5%793.4%1,058.4%
19862.7%
20055.0%
20254.6%
Source: World Bank

Data: World Bank, annual %. For information only — not financial advice.

Year2025Inflation Rate4.6%

Behind the curve

Turning points in Bulgaria

  1. 1991↑ Upward pressure

    The 1991 transition price shock — Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)

    Bulgaria's February 1991 big-bang price liberalisation released a large monetary overhang. IMF analysis records retail-price inflation near 340% in 1991 as the transition began amid a severe output decline.

    IMF Working Paper 92/59 · The Output Decline in the Aftermath of Reform
  2. 1995↓ Downward pressure

    The 1995 stabilisation trough — Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)

    A 1995 stabilisation program sharply reduced inflation and restored modest growth and an external surplus. IMF approval documents describe that progress, which preceded the policy slippages and banking crisis of 1996–97.

    IMF · Stand-By Credit for Bulgaria, 1996–97 program
  3. 1997↑ Upward pressure

    The lev's crisis — Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)

    After failed stabilisation attempts, Bulgaria's banking crisis, fiscal financing and collapsing confidence in the lev drove hyperinflation in early 1997. The July currency board anchored a wider fiscal, banking and structural stabilisation program.

    IMF · The Role of the Currency Board in Bulgaria's Stabilization
  4. 2008↑ Upward pressure

    The world food price crisis — Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)

    Bulgaria's 2008 inflation peak combined rising food and oil prices with an overheating, capital-inflow and credit-driven economy. Tight labour markets and fast wage growth amplified the external shock before oil prices and food inflation fell late in the year.

    IMF Country Report 09/96 · Bulgaria: 2008 Article IV Consultation
  5. 2022↑ Upward pressure

    The post-pandemic inflation surge — Wikipedia (opens in a new tab)

    Russia's invasion of Ukraine added to global commodity pressures in 2022, while strong Bulgarian consumption broadened inflation beyond food and energy. IMF staff reported rising producer prices and increasingly persistent core inflation alongside the external shock.

    IMF Country Report 22/190 · Bulgaria: 2022 Article IV Consultation

These are selected historical influences, not a complete account of inflation. An upward-pressure event can coincide with a peak when its inflationary effect has already occurred or when other forces begin pushing inflation lower. The markers show the years in which events occurred, although their effects may extend into later years.

What is the inflation in Bulgaria?

The annual inflation rate in Bulgaria was 4.6% in 2025, the most recent year in the World Bank dataset. That means prices rose 4.6% on average compared with the year before. Use the chart above to explore Bulgaria's full inflation history from 1986 to 2025, and to compare it with any other country.

How inflation in Bulgaria has changed

Inflation in Bulgaria peaked at 1058.4% in 1997 and reached its lowest point at -1.4% in 2014. Averaged across the 40 years of available data (1986–2025), the rate has been 50.5% per year.

Frequently asked questions about inflation in Bulgaria

What is the current inflation rate in Bulgaria?

The latest available annual figure is 4.6% in 2025, from the World Bank. Because the figures are reported annually, they may not reflect the most recent monthly reading published by Bulgaria's statistical office.

What was the highest inflation rate in Bulgaria?

The highest annual inflation rate on record is 1058.4%, reached in 1997.

What was the lowest inflation rate in Bulgaria?

The lowest annual inflation rate on record is -1.4%, recorded in 2014.

Where does the inflation data for Bulgaria come from?

All figures come from the World Bank's World Development Indicators (indicator FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG), which report annual consumer price inflation for more than 200 countries and territories from 1960 onward.