Inflation South Africa 1986
Average inflation: 18.7%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 18.7%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in January at 20.9%. The lowest inflation was in June at 16.8%.
- Highest month
- January: 20.9%
- Lowest month
- June: 16.8%
- Difference
- 4.1 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 20.2%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 20.2%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 20.2%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 20.2%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 4.0% higher than the 5-year average of 14.7%. This approaches the highest level since records began (18.7% in 1986).
- 5-year average
- 14.7%
- 10-year average
- 13.8%
- All-time high (1986)
- 18.7%
- All-time low (1968)
- 2%
Trend
Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 1985, inflation has risen by +2.4 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- +2.4 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- January: +7.2 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 16.7% 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 €118.70 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1986
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1985 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 20.9% | +7.2 |
| February | 17.7% | +1.2 |
| March | 19.2% | +4.1 |
| April | 18.2% | +2.2 |
| May | 17.1% | +1.3 |
| June | 16.8% | -0.1 |
| July | 18.7% | +2.6 |
| August | 19.0% | +3.1 |
| September | 19.6% | +2.7 |
| October | 19.4% | +2.7 |
| November | 19.1% | +2.1 |
| December | 18.3% | -0.2 |
| Average | 18.7% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.