News

South Africa Inflation Rate Accelerates to Over 1-1/2-Year High
South Africa’s annual inflation rate quickened to 4% in April 2026 from 3.1% in the prior month and slightly above the expected 3.9%. This marked the steepest reading since August 2024, moving further away from the South African Reserve Bank’s 3% inflation target. Main upward pressure came from housing and utilities (5.2% vs 5.1% in March), driven by a recent increase in electricity tariffs, and transportation (4.9% vs -1.6%), as petrol prices were raised in early April, with a lagged pass-through from higher global oil prices linked to the Iran war also contributing. The core inflation rate, which excludes prices of food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel, and energy, rose to 3.6%, the highest since December 2024, up from 3.2% in the month before. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 1.1% in April, the most since July 2022, after a 0.6% increase in the prior month.
Published on 2026-05-20

South Africa Inflation Rate Accelerates to Over 1-1/2-Year High
South Africa’s annual inflation rate quickened to 4% in April 2026 from 3.1% in the prior month and slightly above the expected 3.9%. This marked the steepest reading since August 2024, moving further away from the South African Reserve Bank’s 3% inflation target. Main upward pressure came from housing and utilities (5.2% vs 5.1% in March), driven by a recent increase in electricity tariffs, and transportation (4.9% vs -1.6%), as petrol prices were raised in early April, with a lagged pass-through from higher oil prices also contributing.
Published on 2026-05-20

South Africa Inflation Rate Accelerates to Over 1-1/2-Year High
South Africa’s annual inflation rate quickened to 4% in April 2026 from 3.1% in the prior month and slightly above the expected 3.9%. This marked the steepest reading since August 2024, moving further away from the South African Reserve Bank’s 3% inflation target. Main upward pressure came from housing and utilities (5.2% vs 5.1% in March), driven by a recent increase in electricity tariffs, and transportation (4.9% vs -1.6%), as petrol prices were raised in early April, with a lagged pass-through from higher global oil prices linked to the Iran war also contributing. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 1.1% in April, after a 0.6% increase in the prior month.
Published on 2026-05-20

South Africa Inflation Rate Hits Over 1-1/2-Year High
South Africa’s annual inflation rate quickened to 4% in April 2026 from 3.1% in the prior month and slightly above the expected 3.9%. This marked the steepest reading since August 2024, moving further away from the South African Reserve Bank’s 3% inflation target. Main upward pressure came from housing and utilities (5.2% vs 5.1% in March), driven by a recent increase in electricity tariffs, and transportation (4.9% vs -1.6%), as petrol prices were raised in early April, with a lagged pass-through from higher global oil prices linked to the Iran war also contributing. Meanwhile, food price growth eased further (2.9% vs 3.6%) amid strong farm output, while prices also slowed for restaurants and hotels (5.2% vs 5.9%). The core inflation rate, which excludes prices of food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel, and energy, rose to 3.6%, the highest since December 2024, up from March's 3.2%. Monthly, the CPI rose by 1.1% in April, the most since July 2022, after a 0.6% increase in March.
Published on 2026-05-20

South Africa Inflation Rate Accelerates to Over 1-1/2-Year High
South Africa’s annual inflation rate quickened to 4% in April 2026 from 3.1% in the prior month and slightly above the expected 3.9%. This marked the steepest reading since August 2024, moving further away from the South African Reserve Bank’s 3% inflation target. Main upward pressure came from housing and utilities (5.2% vs 5.1% in March), driven by a recent increase in electricity tariffs, and transportation (4.9% vs -1.6%), as petrol prices were raised in early April, with a lagged pass-through from higher global oil prices also contributing. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 1.1% in April, after a 0.6% increase in the prior month.
Published on 2026-05-20

South Africa Inflation Rate Hits Over 1-1/2-Year High
South Africa’s annual inflation rate quickened to 4% in April 2026 from 3.1% in the prior month and slightly above the expected 3.9%. This marked the steepest reading since August 2024, moving further away from the South African Reserve Bank’s 3% inflation target. Main upward pressure came from housing and utilities (5.2% vs 5.1% in March), driven by a recent increase in electricity tariffs, and transportation (4.9% vs -1.6%), as petrol prices were raised in early April, with a lagged pass-through from higher global oil prices linked to the Iran war also contributing. Meanwhile, food price growth eased further (2.9% vs 3.6%) amid strong farm output, alongside a slowdown in restaurants and hotels (5.2% vs 5.9%). The core inflation rate, which excludes prices of food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel, and energy, rose to 3.6%, the highest since December 2024, up from March's 3.2%. Monthly, the CPI rose by 1.1% in April, the most since July 2022, after a 0.6% increase in March.
Published on 2026-05-20

South Africa Inflation Rate Hits Over 1-1/2-Year High
South Africa’s annual inflation rate quickened to 4% in April 2026 from 3.1% in the prior month and slightly above the expected 3.9%. This marked the steepest reading since August 2024, moving further away from the South African Reserve Bank’s 3% inflation target. Main upward pressure came from housing and utilities (5.2% vs 5.1% in March), driven by a recent increase in electricity tariffs, and transportation (4.9% vs -1.6%), as petrol prices were raised in early April, with a lagged pass-through from higher global oil prices linked to the Iran war also contributing. Meanwhile, food price growth eased further (2.9% vs 3.6%) amid strong farm output, while prices also slowed for restaurants and hotels (5.2% vs 5.9%). The core inflation rate, which excludes prices of food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel, and energy, rose to 3.6%, the highest since December 2024, up from March's 3.2%. Monthly, the CPI rose by 1.1% in April, the most since July 2022, after a 0.6% increase in March.
Published on 2026-05-20

South Africa Inflation Rate Accelerates to Over 1-1/2-Year High
South Africa’s annual inflation rate quickened to 4% in April 2026 from 3.1% in the prior month and slightly above the expected 3.9%. This marked the steepest reading since August 2024, moving further away from the South African Reserve Bank’s 3% inflation target. Main upward pressure came from housing and utilities (5.2% vs 5.1% in March), driven by a recent increase in electricity tariffs, and transportation (4.9% vs -1.6%), as petrol prices were raised in early April, with a lagged pass-through from higher global oil prices linked to the Iran war also contributing. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 1.1% in April, the most since July 2022, after a 0.6% increase in the prior month.
Published on 2026-05-20

South Africa Inflation Rate Ticks Up to 3.1% as Forecast
South Africa’s annual inflation rate edged up to 3.1% in March 2026 from 3% in the prior month, matching market expectations. The main positive contributors were housing & utilities (5.1% vs 4.8% in February); food & non-alcoholic beverages (3.6% vs 3.7%) and insurance and financial services (4.6% vs 4.5%). In the meantime, prices fell at a slower pace for transportation (-1.6% vs -2.1%). The annual core inflation rate, which excludes food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel, and energy, rose to 3.2% from a seven-month low of 3.0% in the prior month. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.6%, after a 0.4% increase in the prior month.
Published on 2026-04-22

South Africa Inflation Rate Ticks Up to 3.1%
South Africa’s annual inflation rate edged up to 3.1% in March 2026 from 3% in the prior month, matching market expectations. The main positive contributors were housing & utilities (5.1% vs 4.8% in February); food & non-alcoholic beverages (3.6% vs 3.7%) and insurance and financial services (4.6% vs 4.5%). The annual core inflation rate, which excludes food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel, and energy, rose to 3.2% from a seven-month low of 3.0% in the prior month. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.6%, after a 0.4% increase in the prior month.
Published on 2026-04-22

South Africa Inflation Rate Ticks Up to 3.1% as Forecast
South Africa’s annual inflation rate edged up to 3.1% in March 2026 from 3% in the prior month, matching market expectations. In March, the impact of the Middle East conflict was only starting to feed into domestic prices. The main positive contributors were housing & utilities (5.1% vs 4.8% in February); food & non-alcoholic beverages (3.6% vs 3.7%) and insurance and financial services (4.6% vs 4.5%). In the meantime, prices fell at a slower pace for transportation (-1.6% vs -2.1%). The annual core inflation rate, which excludes food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel, and energy, rose to 3.2% from a seven-month low of 3.0% in the prior month. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.6%, after a 0.4% increase in the prior month.
Published on 2026-04-22

South Africa Inflation Rate Ticks Up to 3.1% as Forecast
South Africa’s annual inflation rate edged up to 3.1% in March 2026 from 3% in the prior month, matching market expectations, as the impact of the Middle East conflict was only starting to feed into domestic prices. The main positive contributors were housing & utilities (5.1% vs 4.8% in February); food & non-alcoholic beverages (3.6% vs 3.7%) and insurance and financial services (4.6% vs 4.5%). In the meantime, prices fell at a slower pace for transportation (-1.6% vs -2.1%). The annual core inflation rate, which excludes food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel, and energy, rose to 3.2% from a seven-month low of 3.0% in the prior month. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.6%, after a 0.4% increase in the prior month.
Published on 2026-04-22

South Africa Inflation Rate Ticks Up to 3.1%
South Africa’s annual inflation rate edged up to 3.1% in March 2026 from 3% in the prior month, matching market expectations. The main positive contributors were housing & utilities (5.1% vs 4.8% in February); food & non-alcoholic beverages (3.6% vs 3.7%) and insurance and financial services (4.6% vs 4.5%). In the meantime, prices fell at a slower pace for transportation (-1.6% vs -2.1%). The annual core inflation rate, which excludes food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel, and energy, rose to 3.2% from a seven-month low of 3.0% in the prior month. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.6%, after a 0.4% increase in the prior month.
Published on 2026-04-22

South Africa Inflation Rate Slows More than Expected
South Africa’s annual inflation rate fell for the second month to 3% in February 2026, the lowest since June 2025, just below market forecasts of 3.1%. The continued slowdown was largely driven by a 2.1% drop in transportation prices, following a 0.2% fall the previous month, reflecting a sharper decline in fuels (-10.1% vs -3.7%). Moreover, prices of food & non-alcoholic beverages rose at a slower 3.7%, compared to 4.4% in January. On the other hand, price increases were most notable for alcoholic beverages & tobacco (5% vs 4.5%); housing & utilities (4.8% vs 4.8%); restaurants & hotels (3.8% vs 3.5%). The annual core inflation rate, which excludes food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel, and energy, eased to a seven-month low of 3% in February, down from January's 3.4%. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.4%, after a 0.2% increase in the prior month.
Published on 2026-03-18

South Africa Inflation Rate Slows More than Expected
South Africa’s annual inflation rate fell for the second month to 3% in February 2026, the lowest since June 2025, just below market forecasts of 3.1%. The continued slowdown was largely driven by a 2.1% drop in transportation prices, following a 0.2% fall the previous month, reflecting a sharper decline in fuel prices (-10.1% vs -3.7%). The annual core inflation rate, which excludes food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel, and energy, eased to a seven-month low of 3% in February, down from January's 3.4%. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.4%, after a 0.2% increase in the prior month.
Published on 2026-03-18

South Africa Inflation Rate Slows More than Expected
South Africa’s annual inflation rate fell for the second month to 3% in February 2026, the lowest since June 2025, slightly below market forecasts of 3.1%. The continued slowdown was largely driven by a 2.1% drop in transportation prices, following a 0.2% fall the previous month, reflecting a sharper decline in fuels (-10.1% vs -3.7%). Moreover, prices of food & non-alcoholic beverages rose at a slower 3.7%, compared to 4.4% in January. On the other hand, price increases were most notable for alcoholic beverages & tobacco (5% vs 4.5%); housing & utilities (4.8% vs 4.8%); restaurants & hotels (3.8% vs 3.5%). The annual core inflation rate, which excludes food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel, and energy, eased to a seven-month low of 3% in February, down from January's 3.4%. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.4%, after a 0.2% increase in the prior month.
Published on 2026-03-18

South Africa Inflation Rate Slows More than Expected
South Africa’s annual inflation rate fell for the second month to 3% in February 2026, the lowest since June 2025, just below market forecasts of 3.1%. The continued slowdown was largely driven by a 2.1% drop in transportation prices, following a 0.2% fall the previous month, reflecting a sharper decline in fuels (-10.1% vs -3.7%). Moreover, prices of food & non-alcoholic beverages rose at a slower 3.7%, compared to 4.4% in January. The annual core inflation rate, which excludes food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel, and energy, eased to a seven-month low of 3% in February, down from January's 3.4%. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.4%, after a 0.2% increase in the prior month.
Published on 2026-03-18

South Africa Inflation Rate Slows More than Anticipated
South Africa’s annual inflation rate fell for the second month to 3% in February 2026, the lowest since June 2025, just below market forecasts of 3.1%. The continued slowdown was largely driven by a 2.1% drop in transportation prices, following a 0.2% decline the previous month. The annual core inflation rate, which excludes food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel, and energy, eased to a seven-month low of 3% in February, down from January's 3.4%. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.4%, after a 0.2% increase in the prior month.
Published on 2026-03-18

South Africa Inflation Rate Slows More than Expected
South Africa’s annual inflation rate fell for the second month to 3% in February 2026, the lowest since June 2025, just below market forecasts of 3.1%. The continued slowdown was largely driven by a 2.1% drop in transportation prices, following a 0.2% decline the previous month. The annual core inflation rate, which excludes food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel, and energy, eased to a seven-month low of 3% in February, down from January's 3.4%. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.4%, after a 0.2% increase in the prior month.
Published on 2026-03-18

South Africa Inflation Rate Slows More than Expected
South Africa’s annual inflation rate fell for the second month to 3% in February 2026, the lowest since June 2025, just below market forecasts of 3.1%. The continued slowdown was largely driven by a 2.1% drop in transportation prices, following a 0.2% fall the previous month, reflecting a sharper decline in fuels (-10.1% vs -3.7%). Moreover, prices of food & non-alcoholic beverages rose at a slower 3.7%, compared to 4.4% in January. On the other hand, higher prices were seen mostly for alcoholic beverages & tobacco (5% vs 4.5%); housing & utilities (4.8% vs 4.8%); restaurants & hotels (3.8% vs 3.5%). The annual core inflation rate, which excludes food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel, and energy, eased to a seven-month low of 3% in February, down from January's 3.4%. On a monthly basis, the CPI rose by 0.4%, after a 0.2% increase in the prior month.
Published on 2026-03-18