Annual consumer price inflation (CPI) increased marginally to 3.1% in March 2026, up from 3.0% in February, with housing and utilities continuing to be the main contributors to inflation.
According to Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), food prices also contributed, alongside increased costs for insurance and financial services.
However, several categories in the food basket showed a general slowdown, with food prices decreasing for the second month in a row.
Speaking to VOC News, economist Ulrich Joubert says Stats SA’s data reflects a “very modest increase”, adding that the public must bear in mind that the cost of electricity and water increased by more than 7% in March this year compared to March last year.
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Photo: @StatsSA/X
