The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) Household Affordability Index food basket for June released on Tuesday was at R5,502.42, indicating an increase in the price of the food basket.
The Index tracks the prices of 44 basic foods from 52 supermarkets and 36 butcheries.
Mervyn Abrahams, Director of the PMBEJD, said that month-on-month, the average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R23.15 (0.4%). “Year-on-year: The average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R59.29.”
Abrahams added that of the 44 foods tracked in the basket, 24 foods increased in price, and 20 foods decreased in price.
“Foods in the basket that increased in price in June 2026 by 5% or more include: onions, chicken feet, chicken livers, tomatoes, carrots, and green pepper."
