South Africa’s consumer inflation rose sharply to 4% in April, up from 3.1% in March, according to the latest data released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA).
The increase marks the highest annual inflation rate recorded since August 2024, when headline inflation stood at 4.4%.
Stats SA said the main driver behind the jump was the steep increase in fuel costs, which had a significant impact on the consumer price index (CPI).
Fuel Price Hike Drives South Africa Inflation To Highest Level Since 2024
According to the agency, April delivered an unprecedented monthly increase in fuel prices.
“Consumers were dealt a painful fuel price blow in April. The index for fuel rose by 18,2% from March…Petrol prices were up by 15,2% and diesel by 35,4%.
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“The price for inland 93-octane petrol rose from R20,19 per litre in March to R23,25 per litre in April. This is the fifth-largest increase for this grade in 50 years, and the biggest this century,” said Stats SA.
The agency noted that the fuel price increase was “the steepest monthly increase since the current CPI series began in 2008”.
Diesel Motorists Hit Hardest By April Fuel Price Increase
Drivers using diesel saw the most dramatic rise in costs during April.
“Motorists using diesel felt the most pain. The average price for a litre of diesel jumped from R21,28 in March to R28,80 in April.”
The sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices pushed transport costs higher, contributing substantially to the rise in consumer inflation during the month.
What Rising Inflation Means For South African Consumers
The return of inflation to the 4% level may place additional pressure on household budgets, particularly as higher fuel prices filter through to the broader cost of goods and services.
With transport expenses increasing significantly, consumers are likely to face higher costs across several sectors in the months ahead.
