Statistics South Africa data released on 17 June 2026 showed consumer food price inflation slowing to 1.6% in May, the lowest level in 17 months.
The figures indicated a broad deceleration across food categories. Lower prices for grains, oilseeds, fruit and vegetables stemmed from ample domestic and global supplies. South Africa’s summer grains and oilseeds production is forecast at a record 21.1 million tonnes.
Overall consumer inflation rose to 4.5% in May from 4.0% in April, driven mainly by a petrol price increase, though the outcome was below economists’ forecasts of around 5.0%. Meat inflation cooled to 7.3% from 9.4% the prior month, while cereal products recorded annual deflation of 1.4%.
A recent agreement between the US and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz has reduced fuel costs, supporting further moderation in food prices. Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo noted that medium-term risks centre on a potential El Niño event affecting the 2027 crop.
