South African inflation picked up more sharply than expected in June, bolstering expectations that the central bank will deliver a second consecutive interest rate hike on Thursday. Annual headline consumer inflation accelerated to a two-year high of 5.0% in June from 4.5% in May, data from Statistics South Africa showed on Wednesday. Economists polled by Reuters had expected a reading of 4.7%.

The cost of living in June was higher than expected, moving to levels last seen two years ago.

Consumer inflation accelerated to 5% year-on-year in June from 4.5% in May, data showed on Wednesday

The main contributors to the rise in inflation were transport, housing and utilities.