Nearly three in four Bulgarians say rising energy prices have significantly reduced their purchasing power over the past year. The 74% share is above the EU average of 60% in the European Investment Bank’s latest Climate Survey, published on 5 November.
Half of Bulgarian respondents say they have reduced everyday spending on food or healthcare to cope with higher bills. The finding describes people’s reported experience; it is not a measurement showing that purchasing power itself fell by 74%.
The pressure reaches beyond the bill
Some 26% report turning down heating, while 20% say they borrowed, sought financial help or postponed an energy payment. Across the EU, the corresponding share for the latter group is 16%.
The effects also reach transport. More than half of Bulgarian respondents report changing how they use their car as prices rise. For households, energy spending competes with other needs rather than remaining an isolated item in the monthly budget.
Lower costs and greater independence
The most frequently expected benefit of the energy transition in Bulgaria is steadier or lower prices, cited by 77%. Reduced dependence on imported oil and gas follows at 74%; 66% expect slower climate change. Respondents could select several answers.
The survey was conducted by Ipsos bva among 23,000 people across the EU’s 27 member states. That is the combined sample, not the number surveyed in Bulgaria. The results place affordability alongside energy security in the debate about investment and the transition to cleaner energy.
