Inflation South Africa 1982
Average inflation: 14.7%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 14.7%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in April at 16.7%. The lowest inflation was in September at 13.1%.
- Highest month
- April: 16.7%
- Lowest month
- September: 13.1%
- Difference
- 3.6 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 11.2%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 11.2%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 11.2%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 11.2%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 1.1% higher than the 5-year average of 13.6%. This approaches the highest level since records began (15.3% in 1981).
- 5-year average
- 13.6%
- 10-year average
- 12.5%
- All-time high (1981)
- 15.3%
- All-time low (1963)
- 1.3%
Trend
Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1981, inflation has risen by -0.6 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- -0.6 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- February: -3.3 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 12.7% 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 €114.70 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1982
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1981 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 13.7% | -2.1 |
| February | 13.4% | -3.3 |
| March | 16.0% | +0.5 |
| April | 16.7% | +1.3 |
| May | 16.5% | +1.3 |
| June | 16.4% | +2.4 |
| July | 14.4% | -0.3 |
| August | 14.2% | -2.3 |
| September | 13.1% | -3.0 |
| October | 13.7% | -1.2 |
| November | 14.4% | -0.4 |
| December | 13.5% | -0.2 |
| Average | 14.7% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.