The cost of living in Bulgaria has increased by 60 percent for two years, one of the two largest trade unions in Bulgaria - CITUB, said in response to an inquiry by BNR. The union called for greater coverage of social assistance programs.

According to data by the National Statistical Institute, inflation in Bulgaria exceeds 15% on an annual basis. Starting in July, the rising costs for electricity and hot water will be added to the higher household bills. The average salary in regional cities is already above 511 euros, but at the same time the number of the working poor has been growing.

Most of the family budget goes for food, followed by household bills, according to the Institute for Social and Trade Union Research at the Confederation of Independent Trade Unions in Bulgaria.