Annual consumer price inflation rises to 3.4% in Sept

Annual consumer price inflation has slightly risen to 3.4% in September, up from 3.3% in the previous month.

This marks the second-highest inflation rate recorded in 2025, following the July peak of 3.5%.

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) said that the uptick was driven by higher prices in several categories, particularly transport, as well as restaurants and accommodation.

“In contrast, food and non-alcoholic beverages [NAB], alcoholic beverages and tobacco, and furnishings, household equipment and routine maintenance recorded lower rates,” said Stats SA chief director for price statistics Patrick Kelly.

“Food and NAB was a mixed bag in September. Meat and maize meal inflation remained elevated, while price decreases were recorded for products such as milk, eggs and white rice.”