South Africa’s Inflation Rises To 3.6% In October As Food And Transport Costs Increase

South Africa’s annual consumer inflation accelerated to 3.6% in October, up from 3.4% in September, reaching its highest level in more than a year, Statistics South Africa has confirmed.

The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data shows a 0.1% month-on-month increase, with faster annual inflation recorded in categories including transport, recreation, culture, and alcoholic beverages. In contrast, restaurants, accommodation, and food posted slower growth.

Food inflation, one of the biggest pressures on household budgets, presented a mixed picture.

Rising Food Costs Continue to Squeeze Consumers

Stats SA noted that while prices for vegetables, fruit, sugar, desserts, and confectionery eased, items such as meat, cereal products, oils, dairy, and eggs climbed at a faster pace.

Patrick Kelly, Chief Director for Price Statistics at Stats SA, said meat inflation slowed slightly from 11.7% in September to 11.4% in October, but key staples remain costly.

“Meat, particularly beef, continues to be the main driver of food inflation. Beef prices spiked, with high annual and monthly increases recorded for stewing beef, mince and steak.”

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Some relief emerged in other categories, with corned meat, fresh whole chicken, and bacon cheaper than a year ago. Sugar and confectionery inflation also fell to 3.5%, its lowest level since March 2022.

“Food and non-alcoholic beverages were a mixed bag in September. Meat and maize meal inflation remained elevated, while price decreases were recorded for products such as milk, eggs, and white rice.”

Transport, Recreation and Culture Costs Push Inflation Higher

Transport inflation turned positive for the first time in over a year, rising from 0.1% in September to 1.5% in October. Fuel costs contributed modestly, with petrol up 0.2% and diesel down 0.7%.

The recreation, sport, and culture category also surged, with books jumping by 59.4%, movie tickets by 15.8%, and gym fees by 10.5%. Sporting event tickets, however, fell by 12.6% year-on-year.

Kelly added that inflation remains uneven across regions and income groups. The North West recorded the highest provincial inflation at 4.3%, while the Eastern Cape posted the lowest at 3.1%.

“This group (poorest households) continues to experience disproportionately high inflation rates compared to wealthier households… They remain the most vulnerable to price shocks in food, transport, and energy.”

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