Bulgaria's annual inflation rose to 5.7% in September, according to the National Statistical Institute. Prices went up 0.2% from August.

This report follows our earlier story on the institute's preliminary estimate for September.

Over the month, transport prices rose the most, by 3.7%. Education costs 3.2% more, while alcohol and cigarettes are up 1.1%. The biggest falls were in recreation, sport and culture, down 10.2%, followed by restaurants and hotels, down 1.1%, and furnishings and household goods and services, down 0.5%.

Among foods, vegetables rose the most: potatoes by 36.5% and cucumbers by 22%. Grapes fell 11.2% and peppers 10.3%.

Bulgargaz wants the price of gas to rise by almost 34% from 1 November. The company proposes €59.08 per megawatt hour, not including access and transmission fees, excise duty and VAT. It says its costs for securing natural gas have gone up.

The regulator will decide. If it approves the request, the new price will apply to all customers on the regulated market, including district heating companies and households.