In April 2019, the total consumer confidence indicator decreases by 0.7 percentage points in comparison with January, which is due entirely to the decreased confidence among the urban population.
In the first quarter of 2019, the municipal authorities issued building permits for construction of 1 247 residential buildings with 7 832 dwellings, of 28 administrative buildings/offices and 1 149 other buildings. The construction of 871 residential buildings with 4 481 dwellings, of 17 administrative buildings/offices and 644 other buildings was started.
In February 2019 compared to January 2019 a decrease is reported for the production of solid fuels - by 24.6%, unleaded motor gasoline - by 10.1%, transport diesel - by 15.4%, natural gas - by 33.3% and electricity - by 9.1%. No change for the production of liquefied petroleum gases.
In February 2019 compared to January 2019 a decrease is reported for the deliveries of solid fuels - by 23.8%, liquefied petroleum gases - by 2.6%, unleaded motor gasoline - by 12.2%, transport diesel - by 2.6%, natural gas - by 20.2% and electricity - by 16.8%.
In March 2019, the number of the trips of Bulgarian residents abroad was 478.3 thousand or by 3.5% above the registered in March 2018. The trips with other purposes (as a guest, education and visit the cultural and sport events) in March 2019 composed the greatest share of the total number of trips of Bulgarian residents abroad - 44.2%, followed by those with professional purpose - 30.4%, and with holiday and recreation purpose - 25.4%.
In March 2019, the number of arrivals of visitors from abroad to Bulgaria was 555.6 thousand or by 6.0% more in comparison with March 2018. In March 2019, the predominant share of the visits with other purposes was 41.1%, followed by trips with holiday and recreation purpose - 38.8%, and with professional purpose - 20.1%.
Total Producer Price Index in March 2019 increased with 0.7% compared to the previous month; compared to the same month of 2018 the prices rose by 4.6%. Producer Price Index on Domestic Market in March 2019 remained unchanged compared to the previous month; compared to the same month of 2018 the domestic prices grew by 4.1%.
In April 2019, the total business climate indicator increases by 1.9 percentage points compared to March. An improvement of the business conjuncture is registered in industry, construction and service sector, while in retail trade the indicator preserves approximately its level from the previous month.
In 2018, the average monthly poverty line for the country is 351.11 BGN average per person. The number of persons who are below this line is 1 550.8 thousand representing 22.0% of the population.
The main results from the National Statistical Institute (NSI) annual comprehensive surveys characterizing the activity of educational institutions are as follows:
In 2018, the government deficit and debt of the EU-28 decreased in relative terms compared with 2017. In the EU-28 the government deficit to GDP ratio fell from 1.0% in 2017 to 0.6% in 2018. In the EU-28 the government debt to GDP ratio declined from 81.7% at the end of 2017 to 80.0% at the end of 2018.
According to preliminary data of the National Statistical Institute the General Government Institutional Sector reported in 2018 a surplus of 2 149 million BGN or 2.0% of GDP.
The Government Debt of Bulgaria for 2018 is 24 430 million BGN or 22.6% of GDP.