The importance of tracking prices: the case of petrol
Changing fuel prices affect us all. With the recent downward trend in prices seemingly coming to an end, South Africans are again left wondering how the petrol price will affect their pockets. Consumer inflation data released today1 provide an indication of the impact that the recent period of low petrol prices had on the cost read more »
Boozy inflation steady on its feet
The headline inflation rate was steady at 5,9% in October 2014. A 2,6% monthly increase in the price of beer was the main driver of the 0,2% change in the headline CPI between September and October. For the first time, consumers now pay an average of R50 for a six pack of 340ml cans of locally made beer. Wine read more »
Mbalo Brief – October 2014
Transport is the heartbeat of the economy; it facilitates trade, constructions and helps people reach their homes, schools and work places. It therefore comes as no surprise that the Gauteng Provincial Government has dedicated October as Transport month. The campaign, which was first launched in October 2005, is organised by the Department of Transport. Its read more »
Meat prices beefing up the cost of Braai Day
Patrick Kelly – Executive manager for Price statistics, Statistics South Africa, explores the true cost of ‘Braai Day’. South Africans love meat. This is obvious from our cultural affinity for a braai or ShisaNyama. Many celebrated ‘Braai Day’ on this week’s Heritage Day holiday. This importance is also evident from the prominence of meat products read more »
Inflation for August slightly up to 6,4%
Consumer inflation (headline CPI) edged up slightly to 6,4% in August compared with July’s reading of 6,3%. The increase was mainly a result of upward pressure from food and motor vehicle prices. Annual food and beverage inflation, which registered 8,8% in June and July, climbed to 9,4% in August.  Food inflation has been increasing since read more »
Stats SA launches Living Conditions Survey (LCS)
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) launched the Living Conditions Survey (LCS) 2014/15 in Pretoria today. The LCS is a periodic survey which is conducted every 5 years. The survey aims to identify and profile poverty in South Africa, and gives policy-makers information on who is poor, where the poor are located and what it is read more »
Inflation for July slowed to 6,3%
The annual inflation rate slowed to 6,3% in July from the 6,6% registered in the preceding two months. Most municipalities introduce new tariffs in July each year resulting in housing and utilities contributing 0,5 of the 0,8% monthly increase in the CPI. Electricity tariffs increased 7,0%, slightly lower than the maximum 7,4% stipulated by NERSA, the read more »
Inflation for June unchanged
Annual consumer inflation for June was steady at 6,6%, with a monthly increase of 0,3%. Food and non-alcoholic beverages prices increased by a modest 0,1% between May and June resulting in an unchanged 8,8% annual rate. Specific food items which continue to exert upward pressure on inflation are white bread (monthly increase of 1,9%) and full cream read more »
Mbalo Brief – May 2014
It has only been five months into 2014, yet a lot has already happened. Just recently, on 7 May 2014, many South Africans went out in their numbers to vote in the fifth general election since the dawn of democracy. The African Union (AU) and Southern African Development Community (SADC) observer missions congratulated South Africa read more »
Inflation at 6%, hitting the ceiling of the SARB inflation target range
Hitting the ceiling of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) inflation target range, the CPI comes in at 6% this month, with a 1,3% monthly increase. The monthly increase is the largest since June 2008 (1,4%). The monthly increase has been steadily increasing since a low of 0,1% in November 2013. Food and non-alcoholic beverages read more »