Inflation South Africa 1987
Average inflation: 16.2%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 16.2%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in May at 17.5%. The lowest inflation was in December at 14.7%.
- Highest month
- May: 17.5%
- Lowest month
- December: 14.7%
- Difference
- 2.8 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 22.8%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 22.8%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 22.8%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 22.8%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 1.2% higher than the 5-year average of 15.0%.
- 5-year average
- 15%
- 10-year average
- 14.3%
- All-time high (1986)
- 18.7%
- All-time low (1968)
- 2%
Trend
Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 1986, the difference is minimal (-2.5 percentage point).
- Change vs. previous year
- -2.5 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- January: -4.9 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 14.2% 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 €116.20 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1987
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1986 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 16.0% | -4.9 |
| February | 16.7% | -1.0 |
| March | 16.9% | -2.3 |
| April | 16.7% | -1.5 |
| May | 17.5% | +0.4 |
| June | 17.3% | +0.5 |
| July | 15.7% | -3.0 |
| August | 16.3% | -2.7 |
| September | 15.6% | -4.0 |
| October | 15.4% | -4.0 |
| November | 15.3% | -3.8 |
| December | 14.7% | -3.6 |
| Average | 16.2% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.