The cost of living in Bulgaria had become higher by 1.5 per cent since the beginning of 2007, National Statistical Institute (NSI) said.

Food products because 2.3 per cent more expensive. The cost of fresh and frozen vegetables, sugar, dairy products and mineral water raised the most, NSI data showed as quoted by Bulgarian National Radio (BNR).

Prices of non-edible commodities increased by less than 0.5 per cent. Services became 1.3 per cent more expensive.

Healthcare services had increased most in value in January 2007. Hospital treatment costed 12 per cent more than in December 2006. Dental care was six per cent more expensive.

Insurances also became more expensive, by 10 per cent, resulting from the raise in the praise of obligatory car insurances, BNR said.

BNR also said that inflation in January 2006 was a lot higher, 7.2 per cent.