Fuel price hikes drive inflation up in May

This is up from 5,9% in April and March.

The latest increase sees inflation break through the upper limit of the South African Reserve Bank's monetary policy target range of 3 to 6%.

It is the highest reading since January 2017, when the rate was 6,6%. 

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Stats SA on Wednesday said the recent fuel price increases had been a major contributing factor.

"Transport and food and non-alcoholic beverages accounted for just over half of the annual rate, with sharp price increases recorded in both categories. 

"Prices for food and NAB jumped by 2,1% between April and May, representing the largest monthly increase since February 2016, when the monthly rise was also 2,1%.

"The oils and fats product group continue to witness sustained levels of high inflation. The annual rate was 26,9% in May. Sunflower oil, the product with the highest weight in the oils and fats group, is almost 40% more expensive than it was a year ago.

"The monthly rate for bread and cereals was 3,4%, taking the annual rate to 8,4%. Maize meal recorded a monthly increase of 5,1% and a loaf of white bread was 3,7% more expensive."

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"Annual meat inflation has remained above the 6% mark since November 2020, with the reading for May 2022 at 9,4%. Prices for individually quick frozen (IQF) chicken portions and stewing beef increased by 13,7% and 12,2% respectively in the twelve months to May."