The consumer price index stood at 101.4% at the end of January 2008, and inflation came to 1.4%, according to preliminary data provided by the National Statics Institute (NSI).

Consumer prices rose by an average of 12.5% in January compared with January 2007.

Compared to December the prices of the following rose – foods and soft drinks – 2.1%, health care – 1.8%, transport – 2.6%, entertainment – 2.1%. The only decline is with clothes and shoes – 0.6%.

Prices of medicines rose 0.2% last month, and those of medical and dental care by 8.7% and 4.8% respectively. Hospital care appreciated 15%.

In January 2008 the harmonized index of consumer prices in Bulgaria rose 101.5% against previous month, which means inflation stands at 1.5%. Consumer prices added an average of 11.7% year-on-year.