South Africa’s annual inflation rate ticked up to 4.4% in August, edging slightly higher from 4.3% in July.
According to data released by Statistics South Africa on Wednesday, the consumer price index remained anchored above the central bank’s ideal 3% midpoint goal.
On a month on month base inflation remained unchanged decreasing 0% in August over the previous month 0.2%.
Transportation costs remained the primary driver of upward momentum, registering an 8.8% year-on-year increase following a prior 8.9% advance.
Diverging fuel trends defined the transport sector during the month.
Retail petrol prices fell by 2.0% between July and August, offering temporary relief to everyday motorists.
Conversely, commercial logistics faced persistent overhead strain as diesel prices climbed 3.1% over the same period.
Food inflation also picked up, rising to 1.1% from 0.9%, marking its first increase since November 2025.
The persistent pressure leaves headline figures well outside the South African Reserve Bank’s preferred 3% target midpoint.
