South Africa’s consumer food price inflation is at its lowest level in 17 months
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South Africa’s consumer food price inflation continues to slow. The figures released by Statistics South Africa this morning show that the consumer food price inflation slowed to 1.6% in May 2026, down from 2.8% in March. This is the lowest level in 17 months.
There was a broad deceleration across the various food products. At the core of moderating consumer food price inflation are lower prices for grains and oilseeds, fruit, and vegetables, driven by ample domestic and global supplies. We continue to believe that meat poses minimal risks to inflation, and meat price inflation has slowed in recent months. Base effects on meat prices, along with continued cattle slaughter, have helped ease price inflation. Poultry production conditions are also favourable.
There was a broad deceleration across the various food products. At the core of moderating consumer food price inflation are lower prices for grains and oilseeds, fruit, and vegetables, driven by ample domestic and global supplies. We continue to believe that meat poses minimal risks to inflation, and meat price inflation has slowed in recent months. Base effects on meat prices, along with continued cattle slaughter, have helped ease price inflation. Poultry production conditions are also favourable.
