Despite consumer inflation increasing to 4.5% in May its highest level in 22 months on Wednesday, food inflation continues to decline, dropping 1.6% in May 2026. Civil society groups have welcomed the drop in food inflation.
According to Wandile Sihlobo, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), the decline in food inflation reflects improved supply conditions both locally and internationally.
“There was a broad deceleration across the various food products. At the core of moderating consumer food price inflation are lower prices for grains and oilseeds, fruit, and vegetables, driven by ample domestic and global supplies.”
Sihlobo added that they continue to believe that meat poses minimal risks to inflation, and meat price inflation has slowed in recent months.
“Base effects on meat prices, along with continued cattle slaughter, have helped ease price inflation. Poultry production conditions are also favourable.”
