BGN

At the close of the third quarter in 2024, Bulgaria saw a slight decrease in both employment numbers and average wages, according to data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI). The total number of people employed in labor and service roles dropped by 22,800, or 1%, from the previous quarter, bringing the total workforce to 2.33 million.

Skiing in Bulgaria's mountain resorts can cost at least 200 BGN per day, as a survey by "Telegraph" reveals. A breakdown of expenses shows that 100 BGN is required for a lift pass, while overnight accommodation starts at around 40 BGN. If equipment rental is necessary, including skis, boots, and poles, it adds another 30 BGN per person, totaling approximately 170 BGN.

Wholesale food prices in Bulgaria have shown a slight overall increase, according to the weekly bulletin from the State Commission on Commodity Exchanges and Markets (SCCEM). The market price index (MPI), which tracks these prices, rose by 0.62% to reach 2.124 points, up from last week's level of 2.111 points. This index uses a base level of 1,000 points established in 2005.

The income required to cover living expenses for a working individual and a three-member family with a child under 14 has remained almost unchanged compared to June, according to an analysis by the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria (CITUB). A net income of 1,454 BGN is needed for a single person, and 2,616 BGN for a three-member family.

A total of 28 political formations are participating in the upcoming early elections on October 27. Audit Chamber data show that by October 21 supporters and candidates have financed these formations with a total of BGN 2,697,398, said the Institute for Public Environment Development (IPED).

In May 2024, Bulgaria's industrial production saw a decline, with the index dropping by 3.3% compared to the previous month and 6.3% compared to the same period last year, marking the 17th consecutive month of annual contraction, according to the national statistics office.

In May, revenues from overnight stays in Bulgarian hotels saw a significant surge of 32.2% compared to the same period in 2023, totaling BGN 116 million, as reported by the National Statistical Institute. Foreign tourists contributed BGN 58.8 million to this total, slightly surpassing the BGN 57.1 million brought in by Bulgarian guests.

In Bulgaria, there is anticipation over the direction of fuel prices in the coming weeks, with Dimitar Hadjidimitrov from the Association of Bulgarian Fuel Traders, Manufacturers, Importers, and Transporters providing insights. According to Hadjidimitrov, current fuel prices are expected to remain stable for the next 2-3 weeks, with slight fluctuations observed recently.

In a humanitarian initiative by the "Diplomatic Properties in the Country" agency, 30 Ukrainian children who have lost a parent in the war will find accommodation in Bulgaria's renowned resort, "Golden Sands."

The Bulgarian state has allocated an initial BGN 100 million for the national children's hospital, as announced by Acting Minister of Finance Ludmila Petkova during a briefing at the Council of Ministers.