South Africa’s consumer inflation eased marginally to 3.5 per cent in November from 3.6 per cent in October, according to data released on Wednesday, 17 December by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).
The moderation was largely driven by lower inflation in transport, recreation, sport and culture, as well as information and communication. Stats SA’s chief director for price statistics, Patrick Kelly, said transport inflation slowed sharply to 0.7 per cent in November from 1.5 per cent in October, supported by a 2.2 per cent decline in fuel prices over the period. Vehicle inflation fell to 0.9 per cent, its lowest level since June 2013.
However, food inflation edged higher to 4.4 per cent in November from 3.9 per cent in October, marking its first increase in four months. Prices for non-alcoholic beverages, restaurants and accommodation services, and alcoholic beverages and tobacco also recorded modest increases.
Meat prices rose by an average of 12.2 per cent in the 12 months to November, the highest annual rate since January 2018, while declines in milk, eggs and other dairy products continued for a sixth consecutive month.