By Zuko Komisa
StatsSA says inflation has gone up for the first time in four months.
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) on Wednesday released figures revealing how consumer inflation went up by 0.1%.
For the first time in four months, inflation increased slightly, rising from 6.9% in January to 7% in February.
The pace at which prices increase is measured by inflation. As a result, consumers continue to struggle with rising living expenses because their money now only buys them slightly more than it did in the past.
Also Read: Ugandan parliament passes new Anti-LGBTQIA+ bill
Annual consumer #inflation rose for the first time in four months, edging to 7,0% in February from 6,9% in January.
— Stats SA (@StatsSA) March 22, 2023
Read more here: https://t.co/mvcseo0WDe #StatsSA #CPI pic.twitter.com/cMhDODvxsl
According to Stats South Africa, the primary factors driving consumer inflation up to 7% in February were food, non-alcoholic drinks, and transportation.
“Meat inflation continues to accelerate, reaching 11,4% in February from 11,2% in January. This is the highest annual increase for meat since February 2018 (also 11,4%). The monthly rate, however, dropped to 0,2% from 2,6% in January. This was the lowest monthly increase for meat since February 2022 when there was no change.”
“Prices for milk, eggs and cheese increased by 12,3% in the twelve months to February, up from 10,9% in January. Notable annual increases were recorded for cheddar cheese (up 15,2%), feta cheese (up 14,9%), custard (up 14,9%), fresh low-fat milk (up 14,7%) and long-life full cream milk (up 14,3%).”
“Annual inflation for the oils and fats category slowed for a sixth consecutive month, edging lower to 16,7%, the lowest reading since April 2021 (also 16,7%).”
READ NEXT: Canadian rapper, Dax has announced his South African tour



