JOHANNESBURG – The annual consumer inflation has increased to 3,1 percent in March from 3,0 percent in February.
The latest consumer price index figures were released by Statistics South Africa on Wednesday.
Patrick Kelly, Chief Director for Price Statistics said prices increased in average by 0,6 percent in March 2026 compared with February 2026.
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Six of the 13 categories in the CPI basket recorded higher annual rates including restaurants and accommodation services, education, transport, housing and utilities, information and communication, and recreation, sports and culture.
“In the education component, surveyed once a year in March, tuition fees increased by 5,4% in 2026, higher than the 4.5% rise recorded in 2025. Primary and secondary education rose by 6,2% compared to 5% last year. Tertiary education increased by 4,2% up from 3,7% in 2025.”
In the transport category, the annual rate increased from -2,1% in February to -1,6 percent in March.
“The negative values represent deflation. The transport goods and services were, in general 1,6 percent cheaper in March 2026 compared with March last year,” said Kelly.
He said the deflation is mainly the result of fuel prices declining by 8,7 percent over the 12-month period, supported by a marginal increase in vehicle prices.
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Inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages slowed further to 3,6 percent in March from 3,7% in February.
“Four of the 11 food and non-alcoholic beverages categories are in deflation territory, including fruits and nuts, vegetables, cereal products, milk, other dairy products, and eggs,” said Kelly.
The annual rate for meat also slowed, easing to 11,6% from 12,2% in February.
The March figures include results for the latest quarterly survey of housing rates. Rents for houses increased by 3,7 percent, townhouses by 5,1 percent, and flats by 4,2 percent.