What are the causes of rise in the prices of certain goods?

Some essential foods have become more expensive this summer - such as oil, flour, cow's cheese, some seasonal fruits. What are the reasons?

The price of bread has gradually risen in recent months, and a kilo of white bread is currently selling for 1.70 BGN. The reason is the more expensive wheat, and hence the flour. However, the forecasts are that a very good grain harvest and a drop in prices are expected.

The price of sunflower oil has risen the most dramatically compared to last year - by 53%.

Currently, a litre of sunflower oil is sold in the markets at a price between BGN 2.80 and 4.20. Thus, in practice, the most expensive sunflower oil is close to the price of the cheapest olive oil. The reasons for the rise are last year's poor harvest. The assurances are that in September, October, when there is a new harvest, prices will return to normal.

Compared to last year, the prices of Vitosha yellow cheese and cow's cheese are higher. Experts explain the overall rise in prices with rising labour costs and rising fuel prices.

At the same time, pork and butter have fallen in price compared to last year.

Peaches, carrots and green peppers are more expensive. Lemons, apples and apricots have become cheaper.

The unusually high prices of raspberries and blackberries in the Sofia markets provoked complaints by buyers today.

A trader Mia Ivanova said she bought the raspberries at wholesale prices higher than 10 BGN per kg. “This hot weather destroys fruits very quickly. Raspberries are picked every other day, we deliver them to shops twice a week," she commented.

The Commission on Commodity Exchanges and Markets forecasts no sharp changes in by the end of the year. “There is no economic factor that would suggest a rise in the prices of anything," said Vladimir Ivanov, chairman of the State Commission on Commodity Exchanges and Markets.

According to him, despite the temporarily high prices of some foods, imports and strong competition will lead to a stabilization of the market.