CPI eases for second consecutive month
Consumer inflation has slowed for the second month in a row.
Stats SA says it eased to 5.2% in April from 5.3% in March.
"The monthly change in the CPI was 0.3% in April, softer than the 0.8% rise recorded in March," said the service's Chief Director for Price Statistics, Patrick Kelly.
"Annual inflation for food and non-alcohol beverages moderated further from 5.1% in March to 4.7% in April, representing a fifth consecutive month of decline. Most food and non-alcohol beverages sub-categories witnessed lower annual rates, except for vegetables, fruit, and hot beverages."
Kelly said, on average, vegetable prices went up 7.4%.
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This is higher than the 6% increase recorded in March.
"Vegetable products that recorded relatively high price increases include potatoes, frozen potato chips, broccoli and beans. The annual rate for fruit rose from 3,3% in March to 4.5%, mainly driven by higher prices for bananas and apples," he said.
"Hot beverage inflation increased marginally from 11.2% to 11.4%. The rates for instant coffee and black tea remain in double-digit territory.
"Bread and cereal inflation continued to slow, declining for a 12th consecutive month in April. The annual rate eased to 4.3% from 5.0% in March. Bread flour, cake flour, ready-mix flour, white bread, pasta, rusks, savoury biscuits and maise meal are cheaper than a year ago."
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