Rising costs hit South African households

Posted on August 20, 2025
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Rising costs hit South African households

Zuko Komisa

Rising costs hit South African households
Image | Adobe Stock
  • South Africa’s consumer inflation has climbed to a ten-month high of 3.5% in July, driven mainly by rising food costs.
  • Meat and vegetables are leading the price increases, though dairy, eggs, and coffee are now cheaper.
  • Household costs are also rising, with higher municipal tariffs for water and electricity, along with an increase in fuel prices.

South Africa’s consumer inflation has reached a ten-month high, placing additional strain on household budgets already under pressure.

According to Stats SA, the annual inflation rate climbed to 3.5% in July, a notable increase from 3.0% in June.

The main driver behind this surge is the cost of food. Consumers are facing significantly higher prices for a range of everyday groceries. Meat and vegetable prices, in particular, have seen substantial rises.

Meat prices, especially beef, have jumped by more than 10% over the last year. This means a kilogram of stewing beef that cost approximately R95 last July would now set you back around R124.

Vegetables are also contributing to the growing food bill, with prices up by nearly 15%. Carrots, lettuce, and tomatoes are among the items with the biggest price hikes.

However, there is some minor relief for shoppers. The cost of dairy products and eggs is lower than it was a year ago. Coffee enthusiasts will also be pleased to know that instant coffee prices have started to fall.

Beyond the grocery shop, other household expenses have also risen. July saw an increase in municipal tariffs, with water prices up by more than 12% and electricity costs rising by 10%. Furthermore, after four consecutive months of decline, fuel prices have also crept up again, making it more expensive for commuters and motorists to travel.

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