Inflation South Africa 1988
Average inflation: 12.8%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 12.8%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in January at 14.2%. The lowest inflation was in September at 12.2%.
- Highest month
- January: 14.2%
- Lowest month
- September: 12.2%
- Difference
- 2.0 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 15.7%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 15.7%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 15.7%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 15.7%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 2.3% lower than the 5-year average of 15.1%.
- 5-year average
- 15.1%
- 10-year average
- 14.7%
- All-time high (1986)
- 18.7%
- All-time low (1984)
- 11.5%
Trend
Inflation shows a downward trend. Compared to 1987, inflation has fallen by +3.4 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- -3.4 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- June: -5.0 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 10.8% 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 €112.80 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1988
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1987 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14.2% | -1.8 |
| February | 13.2% | -3.5 |
| March | 13.4% | -3.5 |
| April | 12.9% | -3.8 |
| May | 13.1% | -4.4 |
| June | 12.3% | -5.0 |
| July | 12.9% | -2.8 |
| August | 12.3% | -4.0 |
| September | 12.2% | -3.4 |
| October | 12.4% | -3.0 |
| November | 12.3% | -3.0 |
| December | 12.5% | -2.2 |
| Average | 12.8% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.