South Africa’s annual consumer price inflation rose slightly to 3,4% in September this year, up from 3,3% in August, Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported today. The month-on-month increase was 0,2%.
The main contributors were housing and utilities, which increased by 4,5% and added 1,1 percentage points to the annual rate. Food and non-alcoholic beverages also rose 4,5%, contributing 0,8 of a percentage point.
While prices of goods slowed to 2,9% annually, down from 3,1% in August, services accelerated to 3,9%, up from 3,6%. This suggests that households are feeling more pressure from essential services and utilities than from general goods.
Regionally, Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal recorded annual inflation of 3,7%, while Limpopo and Gauteng had rates of 4,0% and 3,2% respectively. Specific items such as electricity, gas, and water supply showed significant increases, whereas fuel prices eased slightly. Stats SA noted that not all items are surveyed monthly, with additional surveys conducted when notable price changes occur.
Statistician-General Risenga Maluleke said the September figures “reflect persistent upward pressure on housing and essential food items, while other goods remain relatively stable.”
For households, this rise in inflation means that monthly budgets may feel tighter, particularly due to higher utility and grocery costs. Experts recommend monitoring spending trends and planning for essential expenses.
For more details, access the full CPI report for September 2025. You can also review the August 2025 CPI report for comparison or read tips on managing household expenses in South Africa to understand how inflation impacts daily life.
