South Africa’s inflation edged higher in October, with food prices once again emerging as one of the main contributors. According to the latest data released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), annual consumer price inflation rose to 3.6%, up from 3.4% recorded in September. This marks the highest reading since September 2024, when inflation reached 3.8%.
Stats SA highlighted that several food items, particularly vegetables and meat, saw sharp increases over the past year. “Pumpkin and several meat products witnessed sharp price increases in the 12 months to October,” the agency reported.
Some items, however, eased in price compared to last year. Potatoes dropped by 26.5%, while cabbage, sweet potatoes, and eggs also recorded declines.
Month-to-month comparisons (October vs. September 2025) show pumpkin once again topping the list with an 11.1% increase, followed by tomatoes at 7.7%, bananas at 6.6%, and apples at 5.2%.
Stats SA noted these food price dynamics remain a key driver of overall inflation: “Annual consumer price inflation rose to 3.6% in October,” the agency confirmed in a statement shared on social media.
While inflation remains within the South African Reserve Bank’s target range of 3% to 6%, the acceleration signals growing pressure on household budgets—especially for lower-income consumers who spend a larger share of their income on food.
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