More woes for consumers as interest rate hike looms and fuel levy relief comes to an end

SA Reserve Bank warns more interest rate hikes on the cards if inflation risks worsen

South Africa's Reserve Bank raised the repo rate 25bp to 7% (prime at 10.5%), warning up to three further hikes if Middle East-driven supply shocks push inflation above 6%. A higher-for-longer rate path through 2027 raises debt-servicing costs and compresses capex for businesses operating in the SA market.