The consumer confidence index in Bulgaria for April 2007 increased by 7.8 per cent compared to January levels, according to National Statistical Institute (NSI) research.

The increase was 9.1 per cent among the urban population and 5.4 per cent among people in rural areas.

Those polled had a more positive attitude about the changes in the financial status of their households in the past 12 months and their expectations for the next 12 months are more favourable.

The total balance assessment of the households' budget increased by 4.2 per cent as the improvement is more tangible among rural population.

Bulgarian consumers’ attitude concerning the general economic situation in the country also became more positive.

NSI registered increased consumer expectations about their savings and purchases of durable goods for the upcoming 12 months.

But most people think that consumer goods prices are continuing to rise. Nearly 36 per cent of those polled said that the annual price increase was too high, 33 per cent thought the price increase was appropriate and 33 per cent said that the increase was low.