South Africa Inflation Rises Less than Anticipated

2025-11-19 08:19 By Luisa Carvalho 1 min. read

South Africa’s annual inflation rate rose for the second month to 3.6% in October 2025 from 3.4% in September, though below analysts' estimates of 3.7%.

It was the highest reading since September 2024, mainly on account of prices of housing & utilities (4.5% vs 4.5% in September), notably electricity (8.2%) and water supply & other services (7%); alcoholic beverages & tobacco (4.5% vs 4.2%) and recreation & culture (3.4% vs 2.9%).

Moreover, transportation prices rose 1.5%, marking the first increase in over a year, driven by a sharp rebound in fuels (3.3% vs -2.2%).

Meanwhile, some categories recorded smaller price-growth, primarily restaurants & accommodation services (2.1% vs 3%) and food & non-alcoholic beverages (3.9% vs 4.5%).

The core inflation rate, which excludes food, non-alcoholic beverages, fuel, and energy, eased to 3.1% in October 2025 from a seven-month high of 3.2% in September.

On a monthly basis, the CPI edged up by 0.1%, following a 0.2% increase in the prior month.



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