Inflation South Africa 1978
Average inflation: 11.1%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 11.1%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in September at 13.0%. The lowest inflation was in April at 9.3%.
- Highest month
- September: 13.0%
- Lowest month
- April: 9.3%
- Difference
- 3.7 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 12.5%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 12.5%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 12.5%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 12.5%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 0.6% lower than the 5-year average of 11.7%.
- 5-year average
- 11.7%
- 10-year average
- 8.9%
- All-time high (1975)
- 13.5%
- All-time low (1962)
- 1.2%
Trend
Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 1977, the difference is minimal (-0.1 percentage point).
- Change vs. previous year
- -0.1 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- September: +3.0 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 9.1% 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 €111.10 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1978
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1977 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 11.1% | -1.4 |
| February | 11.1% | +0.3 |
| March | 9.6% | -1.0 |
| April | 9.3% | -2.6 |
| May | 9.3% | -2.6 |
| June | 9.3% | -1.0 |
| July | 11.8% | 0.0 |
| August | 11.7% | +1.7 |
| September | 13.0% | +3.0 |
| October | 12.8% | +1.4 |
| November | 12.8% | +1.4 |
| December | 11.4% | +0.1 |
| Average | 11.1% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.