Cost of living for a family of three in Bulgaria rises to 1,985 BGN per month

The cost of living in Bulgaria is rising. BGN 1,985 per month is now needed for a family of three, according to a survey conducted by CITUB trade union for the third quarter of the year. Compared to December last year, the funds needed are now by BGN 100 more. An urgent measure, according to the union, is to update the budget to ensure all social payments. However, this can happen after a new parliament is elected.

Marina Bratanova works in a bookshop in Rousse. In the past year, her salary has increased by 15%. However, due to rising food prices, she had to rearrange her priorities and make savings. Moreover, she lives alone and has no one to share her household expenses with.

"I pay electricity and hot water bills first because a person in the 21st century cannot feel comfortable without electricity and hot water. Then there are the next needs - food, books – books obligatory. I like meat, so I cannot deprive myself of it, but I'm looking for an alternative to sunflower oil," said Marina Bratanova.

When shopping, she looks for goods at promotion prices. Her salary is below the minimum set by CITUB - BGN 1,103. According to the survey , this is how much is needed for a single, working person in the country to break even. Last year the amount was by BGN 56 less. The increased cost of living results from rising food and fuel prices.

Since the beginning of the year, the biggest increase is in the prices of sunflower oil, vegetables, lentils, beans, bakery products and dairy products.

"In connection with the increase in cost of living, CITUB proposes an increase in the minimum wage by 17.5% from the beginning of next year and by about 12 - 13% in the average wage," added Violeta Ivanova, CITUB.

CITUB forecasts that in the coming months the cost of living will continue to increase, albeit at a slower pace, due to the compensation taken for business in connection with the increased electricity prices. Currently, one million and 660,000 people live below the poverty line and with limited consumption.

Чуйте последните новини, където и да сте!
Последвайте ни във Facebook и Instagram
Следете и канала на БНТ в YouTube
Вече може да ни гледате и в TikTok
Намерете ни в Google News