South Africa’s annual inflation rate was 3,0% in September, lower than the rates recorded in July (3,2%) and August (3,1%). The change in the consumer price index between August 2020 and September 2020 was 0,2%, identical to the reading in the previous month. The alcoholic beverages and tobacco division was the main reason for the   read more »

Annual CPI inflation pulled back slightly in August, easing to 3,1% from 3,2% in July. The monthly increase in prices was 0,2%. This is slightly lower than the average monthly change of 0,3% over the past year and lower than the 3-month average of 0,4%. Transport was the most significant contributor to the 0,2% monthly   read more »

Annual CPI inflation quickened to 3,2% in July from 2,2% in June as lockdown restrictions continued to ease. The monthly increase was 1,3%, the biggest monthly rise since February 2016 when the rate was 1,4%. The monthly move in July was driven largely by fuel prices and municipal tariffs. Motorists felt some pain as the   read more »

Stats SA will publish the July CPI on Wednesday, 26 August. The collection and compilation of the CPI for July was affected by COVID-19 lockdown restrictions. Read here for more information.

You’ve waited too long. Your friends have tried it, you’ve seen the videos, you’re feeling the FOMO. You roll up your sleeves – it is time to bake your own lockdown bread. The kitchen is ready. The ingredients are all set out. Two cups of boiling water – check! Instant yeast, brown sugar, salt, flour   read more »

Annual CPI inflation was 2,2% in June, slightly up from 2,1% in May. The monthly increase was 0,5% – a reversal of the -0,6% recorded between April and May. The dominance of fuel price changes recorded in the previous few months continued in June. Fuel prices increased by 7,5% from May to June, with petrol   read more »

The June CPI will use special imputation methods to account for the shift from Level 4 to Level 3 lockdown restrictions on consumer spending. Stats SA has published a note to explain the circumstances in which different methods will employed. An updated publication schedule for the remainder of 2020 is included in the note. During August   read more »

Annual consumer price inflation fell to its lowest reading since September 2004, dragged lower mainly by falling fuel prices. The Consumer Price Index (CPI), which measures the prices of a range of consumer goods and services, increased by 2,1% in May 2020 compared with May 2019. The reading for September 2004, 15 years and eight   read more »

The May CPI will be published on Wednesday, 15 July. At the heart of measuring inflation is the comparison of prices of a fixed set of products in two periods. The COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and gradual normalisation have posed particular challenges for the calculation of the consumer price index. Special imputation methods were used in   read more »

Annual CPI inflation for April reflects the impact of the first month of the COVID-19 lockdown. The rate dropped to 3,0% in April from 4,1% in March, the lowest reading since June 2005 when the rate was 2,8%. Consumer inflation is now at the bottom of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) target range of   read more »