PMB-based group warns food prices will rise before Christmas
A local group, monitoring food security, has warned already hard-pressed consumers to prepare for more tough times.
The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group has revealed the results of its latest household affordability index.
It says we are now paying almost 11% more for basic food items compared to the same period last year.
This means that an average household food basket costs out around R4 787
Compared to October last year, this is an increase of R470.
"This cost of food, we have seen decreases in a number of foods over the past months. These include maize meal, cake flour, sugar, cooking oil, frozen chicken pieces, spinach, pilchards and cabbage. However, some foods continue to increase and it's showing a worrying trend," says PMBEJD's Programme Coordinator Mervyn Abrahams.
The new fuel adjustments kicked in at midnight taking petrol costs up by 51 cents a litre and diesel by an eye-watering R1.43.
Abrahams says these increases will have an effect on households.
"When households pay more for transport that means they have less money available to pay for food but also the increase in petrol prices, particularly in diesel could potentially lead to increases again for food prices closer towards Christmas."
