JOHANNESBURG – South Africa’s annual consumer price inflation has dropped to 3 percent in February.
This is down from 3,5 percent recorded in January. Last year inflation fell to its lowest level in 21 years at 3,2 percent.
Giving an overview of the latest figures, Patrick Kelly, Chief Director for Price Statistics said the drop was attributed to housing, food and non-alcoholic beverages. Insurance and financial services also contributed.
#SAInflation || Inflation eases further in Feb 2026. South African annual consumer price inflation cooled to 3,0% in February 2026 from 3,5% in January 2026.
Listen here for more: https://t.co/mcK7LOcvX5 #StatsSA #KnowYourStatsZA #CPI #GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/U0K0yZH2Y4— Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) (@StatsSA) March 18, 2026
“The delayed implementation of medical aid increases in February had a notable impact on the headline rate. If the outstanding medical scheme contributions are implemented later in the year, these changes will most likely affect the headline rates.”
Kelly said the substantial decline in the price of fuel in February contributed an annual decline of 10,1 percent in the fuel index.
The annual rate for food and non-alcoholic beverages declined to 3,7 percent from 4,4 percent in January.