# Bulgarian government inflation and price policy debate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-government-inflation-and-price-policy-debate > Updated: 2026-09-06T07:37:43.000Z. Sources: 9. Developments: 2. Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov announced that the government intends to extend anti-inflationary measures through the autumn, citing alarming price fluctuations. Pekanov noted that while some regulatory measures have been effective, the state’s ability to influence prices is constrained by external factors like oil prices and geopolitical instability. Following these remarks, the Bulgarian restaurant and tourism industry issued a rebuttal. Industry associations criticized Pekanov’s suggestion that service prices in Sofia should be lower, specifically rejecting his comparison of Sofia’s prices to those in Vienna. Representatives argued the comparison was “convenient political rhetoric” that ignored differences in tax burdens, labor costs, and energy prices. The associations further noted that while Austria often utilizes preferential tax regimes for hospitality, the Bulgarian sector remains subject to a full 20% VAT. They called for a reduction in VAT and a more predictable economic environment to support competitiveness. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Bulgarian restaurant industry rejects Deputy PM Pekanov’s price reduction calls Bulgarian restaurant associations have rejected Deputy PM Atanas Pekanov’s calls to lower prices, citing high VAT and rising operational costs as the primary drivers of inflation in the sector. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-deputy-pm-pekanov-sparks-debate-over-restaurant-prices ### 2026-09-04: Bulgaria to extend anti-inflation measures through autumn Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister Atanas Pekanov announced that government measures to curb inflation will continue through the autumn, citing geopolitical factors and oil prices as external influences. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bulgaria-to-extend-anti-inflation-measures-through-autumn --- Cite as: Bulgarian government inflation and price policy debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/bulgarian-government-inflation-and-price-policy-debate