Inflation South Africa 1975
Average inflation: 13.5%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 13.5%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in February at 15.7%. The lowest inflation was in November at 12.3%.
- Highest month
- February: 15.7%
- Lowest month
- November: 12.3%
- Difference
- 3.4 percentage points
- Months with data
- 12 of 12
Category Insights
The highest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 15.6%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 15.6%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 15.6%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 15.6%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 4.1% higher than the 5-year average of 9.4%. This approaches the highest level since records began (13.5% in 1975).
- 5-year average
- 9.4%
- 10-year average
- 6.4%
- All-time high (1975)
- 13.5%
- All-time low (1962)
- 1.2%
Trend
Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1974, inflation has risen by +1.8 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- +1.8 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- April: +7.1 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 11.5% 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 €100 this year will cost approximately €113.50 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1975
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1974 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 13.7% | +2.8 |
| February | 15.7% | +4.8 |
| March | 13.5% | +2.9 |
| April | 15.4% | +7.1 |
| May | 13.2% | +2.8 |
| June | 13.0% | +0.5 |
| July | 14.8% | +4.6 |
| August | 12.7% | +0.5 |
| September | 12.5% | -1.8 |
| October | 12.5% | +0.5 |
| November | 12.3% | -1.7 |
| December | 12.3% | -1.7 |
| Average | 13.5% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.