JOHANNESBURG – Inflation in South Africa accelerated to its highest level in 13 years in July, pushed mainly by surging prices for food, transport and electricity, official data showed today.
Consumer prices rose to 7.8% in July after reaching 7.4% in June, the national statistics agency said in a statement.
Inflation has been soaring worldwide, fuelled supply chain disruptions after the easing of Covid-19 restrictions as well as surging energy and food prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
For South Africans, it has resulted in rising costs for necessities including food, electricity, fuel and medication, the government said.
Prices for bread and cereals were up 13.7% in July, from 11.2% in June. It means a loaf of white bread now costs 17.84 rand (RM4.68) compared to 15.57 rand a year ago, the statistics agency said.
The price of fuel increased by 56.2% from last year.
The rising cost of living is taking a toll on the public, where the jobless rate hovers near 34%.
Today, the country’s two largest trade unions led a protest in major cities over the worsening economic conditions, which have been particularly crippling for the poorest.
Strikers were demanding government action on rising poverty and the cost of living. – AFP, August 24, 2022
