![\"figure1\"](\"https:\/\/www.statssa.gov.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/figure1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nAnnual food inflation reached its highest level in 18 months, registering 3,8% in August. The pickup in food inflation was mainly driven by upward pressure from bread and cereal prices, which increased by 8,6%. This is the highest annual inflation reading for bread and cereals since February 2017 when the rate was 12,8%.<\/p>\n
Mielie meal prices in particular have risen sharply. Super maize was 17,7% more expensive in August compared with the same month last year. Special maize prices jumped by 27,5% over the same period.<\/p>\n
Oil-based food items \u2013 such as cooking oil and margarine \u2013 have seen price fluctuations similar to those of grain products; oil products are derived mainly from sunflowers. While annual inflation for oils and fats is currently at 4,4%, monthly inflation came in at 2,2% in August, the biggest monthly jump since January 2016.<\/p>\n
Fish inflation is also on an upward trend. Annual fish inflation was 7,5% in August, up from 6,4% in July and 6,0% in June. Tinned fish (excluding tuna) is 8,7% more expensive than it was a year ago.<\/p>\n
There is some good news if you enjoy non-alcoholic drinks. Prices are increasing, but not as quickly as they were a few months ago. Annual non-alcoholic beverages inflation was 5,4% in August, continuing to slow from the peak of 10,2% recorded in March.<\/p>\n
Most municipalities set new rates and tariffs annually in July. One remaining municipality increased its electricity tariffs in August, pulling the overall electricity index to an annual rise of 11,8%. The National Energy Regulator of South Africa granted municipalities a ceiling increase of just above 13%.<\/p>\n
The advent of private school holidays in August was associated with price increases for a number of holiday related products. Monthly increases were recorded for car rentals (up 6,2%), flights (up 2,1%), hotels (up 1,3%), and holiday packages (up 0,8%).<\/p>\n
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For more information, download the Consumer Price Index (CPI)<\/em> release for August 2019 here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Similar articles are available on the Stats SA website and can be accessed here<\/a>.<\/p>\n For a monthly overview of economic indicators and infographics, catch the latest edition of the Stats Biz<\/em> newsletter here<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Annual consumer inflation quickened in August, reaching 4,3% year-on-year from the 4,0% recorded in July. This was associated with higher inflation in food and non-alcoholic beverages, housing, transport and recreation. Annual food inflation reached its highest level in 18 months, registering 3,8% in August. The pickup in food inflation was mainly driven by upward pressure read more »<\/a><\/p>\n