South Africa’s inflation rate inched higher in March, though overall price growth remains relatively modest. Annual consumer inflation rose to 3.1%, up from 3.0% in February, according to the latest data from Statistics South Africa.
On a monthly basis, consumer prices increased by 0.6%, driven mainly by higher costs for housing and utilities, food, and financial services. Six of the 13 major spending categories recorded gains, including transport, education, and restaurants.
Education costs continue to stand out as a key pressure point. Tuition fees rose by 5.4% this year, with private education seeing a sharper increase of 7.5%.
In contrast, transport costs remain lower than a year ago, down 1.6%, although the rate of decline has begun to slow.
Officials cautioned that the March data does not yet reflect April’s fuel price hikes, suggesting that inflationary pressures could strengthen in the months ahead.
Food inflation eased slightly to 3.6%, with several categories—such as fruits, vegetables, cereals, and dairy showing price declines. Notably, dairy prices have now fallen for ten consecutive months.
Overall, inflation trends show a continued slowdown in goods prices, while services inflation is beginning to pick up pace.
