Annual CPI fell to 3.3% in August, down from 3.5% in July

Zuko Komisa

South Africa’s annual consumer price inflation slowed to 3.3% in August, down from 3.5% in July, bringing some relief to households.
The decline was primarily driven by a significant easing in the costs of food and fuel, according to Statistics South Africa.
While staples like bread and rice are cheaper, some items like maize meal and beef remain notably expensive.

The cost of living in South Africa saw a welcome slowdown in August, as annual consumer price inflation fell to 3.3%, down from 3.5% in July, according to data released by Statistics South Africa on Wednesday.

The decline was largely driven by a significant easing in the costs of food and fuel, a relief for many households.

Statistics South Africa’s Chief Director for Price Statistics, Patrick Kelly, confirmed that softer prices in these key areas helped bring the overall inflation rate down.

Annual inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages dropped to 5.2% from 5.7% the previous month. This was influenced by lower prices for cereals, seafood, dairy, fruit, and vegetables. Kelly highlighted that some staple items like hot cereals, white rice, bread, and pasta are now cheaper than they were a year ago.

Fuel prices also contributed to the slowdown, with annual inflation falling by 5.7%.

#ZAInflation || Annual consumer price inflation eased to 3,3% in August from 3,5% in July. Softer food and fuel inflation took some of the heat off the headline rate.

Listen here for more: https://t.co/lwbDl15zMv #StatsSA #ZACPI #CPI #GovZAupdates pic.twitter.com/0pguNR7sZf

— Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) (@StatsSA) September 17, 2025

The latest figures keep inflation well within the South African Reserve Bank’s target range of 3% to 6%.