Food prices surge as Household Affordability Index rises in July

The Household Affordability Index increased in July according to the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) on Wednesday.

The PMBEJD Household Affordability Index food basket for July was at R5 530.52. “The average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R28.11 month on month and the average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R87.81 year on year.”

Mervyn Abrahams, Director of the PMBEJD said that foods in the basket that increased in price in July 2026 by 5% or more include: apples. “Foods in the basket which increased in price in July 2026 by 2% or more include: maize meal, cooking oil, salt, potatoes, frozen chicken portions, stock cubes, eggs, wors, beef tripe, tomatoes, butternut, cabbage, cremora, tinned pilchards, peanut butter, and polony.”

Abrahams added that foods in the basket that decreased in price in July 2026 by 5% or more include: carrots.

“Foods in the basket which decreased in price in July 2026 by 2% or more include: cake flour, samp, onions, soup, tea, beef liver, fish, spinach, green pepper, baked beans, bananas, oranges, and margarine.