Inflation South Africa 1972
Average inflation: 6.4%
Inflation in 1972
Inflation is very high at 6.4%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in January at 7.5%. The lowest inflation was in March at 4.9%.
- Highest month
- January: 7.5%
- Lowest month
- March: 4.9%
- Difference
- 2.6 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Historical Context
Inflation is 1.9 percentage points higher than the 5-year average of 4.5%. This approaches the highest level since records began (6.4% in 1972).
- 5-year average
- 4.5%
- 10-year average
- 3.8%
- All-time high (1972)
- 6.4%
- All-time low (1962)
- 1.2%
Trend
Over the period 1970-1972, inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1971, inflation has risen by 0.4 percentage points.
- Change vs. previous year
- +0.4 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- March: -3.0 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 4.4 percentage points above the ECB target of 2.0%. This means purchasing power is declining faster than intended.
Purchasing Power
At this high inflation rate, purchasing power rapidly decreases. This has a major impact on households, especially without adequate salary increases.
What you could buy for ZAR 100 this year will cost approximately ZAR 106.40 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1972
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1971 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 7.5% | +2.2 |
| February | 7.5% | +2.2 |
| March | 4.9% | -3.0 |
| April | 4.9% | -0.2 |
| May | 4.9% | -0.2 |
| June | 4.9% | -0.2 |
| July | 7.3% | +2.2 |
| August | 7.1% | +2.1 |
| September | 7.1% | +2.1 |
| October | 7.0% | -0.5 |
| November | 7.0% | -0.5 |
| December | 7.0% | -0.5 |
| Average | 6.4% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.