Image Source: East Coast Radio
Local – South Africa’s consumer inflation rate rose to 4,5% in May from 4,0% in April, driven by a sharp increase in fuel prices, Statistics South Africa reported. This is the highest rate since July 2024, when it was 4,6%. The monthly change in the consumer price index was 0,7%.
The fuel index recorded a second large monthly increase, climbing 14,3% and pushing the annual rate to 28,7%. Petrol prices rose by 24,8% over the past year, and diesel by 53,8%.
“The annual change in this index was 3,7% in May, the same as the previous month. The rate has moved in a narrow range between 3,5% and 3,8% over the past 12 months.”
Food Prices Ease Further
Inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages continued to subside, declining to 1,9% from 2,9% in April. This is down from the peak of 5,7% recorded in July 2025.
Meat inflation cooled in May, recording an annual increase of 7,3%, down from April’s 9,4%. Stewing beef and beef mince prices both dropped between April and May. Fruit, nuts and vegetable prices remained lower than a year ago, at -8,5% and -6,0% respectively.
“Prices for fruits & nuts and vegetables are lower than a year ago at -8,5% and -6,0% respectively. Both categories have been in deflationary territory since October 2025.”
Other Food and Beverages Climb
Annual inflation for the “other food” category rose to 4,9% from 4,1% in April. Salt jumped by 2,5% month-on-month and 9,3% year-on-year, while mayonnaise and salad dressing also recorded notable increases.
The annual rate for milk, other dairy products and eggs rose to 0,9% from 0,1% in April. Non-alcoholic beverages also saw higher inflation, with Ceylon tea up to 8,3% and rooibos tea up to 7,5%.
