Stable inflation is aim

Although inflation edged up to 3.2% in January, up slightly from 3% in December 2024, economists expect it to remain subdued and only increase steadily in the second half of the year.

- Ina Opperman

Statistics SA announced yesterday that inflation for food and nonalcoholic beverages increased by 2.3% in the 12 months to January, a lower increase than the 2.5% registered in December.

Inflation slowed for meat, fruit and nuts, sugar, confectionery and desserts, fish and other seafood and milk, other dairy products and eggs.

Meat cost on average 0.5% less compared with January 2024, the third month that meat was in deflation, mainly because of a downward trend in the price index.

However, in January, prices increased by 0.8% compared with December, when meat registered an increase of 0.5%.

Cereal products, hot and cold beverages, oils and fats and vegetables were more expensive.

Prices for cereal products increased by an annual 3.8% from 3.7% in December. Maize meal prices increased by 4.8% between December and January, taking the annual rate to 10.1%.