In a turn for South African consumers, headline consumer inflation has surged to 3.5 in July, up from 3.0 in June, Cape town Etc reports.
This marks the highest inflation rate observed since September 2024, when it peaked at 3.8. Significant price increases across various sectors were recorded, with an average uptick of 0.9 between June and July.
According to Stats SA, the acceleration of inflation is particularly harsh on household food budgets, which are now under pressure. Annual inflation within the food and non-alcoholic beverages sector climbed to 5.7, up from 5.1 in June.