Food prices spike inflation in South Africa

Beef prices have increased by a staggering 28.8% over the past 12 months, and by 7.6% between June and July.

This was revealed on Wednesday by Statistics SA (StatsSA) during the release of the latest Consumer Price Inflation index.

Consumer inflation increased to 3.5% in July from 3.0% in June.

“This is the highest rate since September 2024, when it was 3.8%. Prices increased on average by 0.9% between June and July.

“Annual inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages continued to rise, accelerating to 5.7% from 5.1% in June.

“Meat, vegetables and ‘other food’ fuelled the uptick. Meat, specifically beef, remains the main driver. The annual rate for meat accelerated to 10.5% in July, extending a strong upward trend that began in February,” reported StatsSA.

The price for stewing beef was R94.80/kg in July 2024, climbing to R123.87 per kilogram last month. Beef mince rose from R102.95 to R126.79/kg over the same period.

Tariffs and fuel

Municipal tariffs also recorded notable changes during the period.

“Tariffs for water supply increased by 12.1% in 2025, significantly higher than 2024’s rise of 7.5%, recording the sharpest increase since 2018 when tariffs jumped by 12.9%.

“Refuse collection and sewage removal tariffs were added to the inflation basket this year. Refuse collection rose by 6.6% and sewage removal by 6.5%,” said StatsSA.

“Fuel prices increased by 2.6% between June and July, following four months of decline. The monthly rise in July lifted the annual rate for fuel from -11.2% in June to -5.5% in July.”

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