CPI lowers to 2,7% in March
Headline consumer inflation has decreased for the first time in five months, edging lower to 2,7% in March from 3,2% in February.
This is the lowest inflation index since June 2020.
The decline was mainly due to lower fuel prices and softer tuition inflation.
Statistics South Africa’s Patrick Kelly says the main contributors to the slowdown were lower food prices and a moderation in fuel costs.
"The fuel index softened by 0,4% from February, taking the annual rate from -3,6% to -8,8%. A litre of 95-octane petrol (inland) was R22,34 in March, down from R24,45 a year before. The average price for diesel declined to R22,80 from R24,85 over the same period.
"The annual rate for food & non-alcoholic beverages (NAB) edged lower to 2,7% in March from 2,8% in February. Vegetables, fruits & nuts, cereal products, meat and fish registered higher annual rates.
"Lower rates were recorded for oils & fats; hot beverages; milk, other dairy products & eggs; cold beverages; and sugar, confectionery & desserts."
Kelly added that monthly increases for maize meal have recently slowed, from 4,8% in January to 2,4% in February and 1,4% in March.
"Inflation for cereal products accelerated to 4,3% in March from 3,9% in February."
He said the price index for education increased by 4,5%, lower than the 6,4% rise in 2024.
"Education fees are surveyed once a year in March. School fees increased by 5,0% (from 6,6% in 2024). Tertiary education institutions charged 3,7% more in 2025, compared to the 5,9% rise recorded the year before."
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