Inflation South Africa 1991
Average inflation: 15.3%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 15.3%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in October at 16.6%. The lowest inflation was in March at 14.2%.
- Highest month
- October: 16.6%
- Lowest month
- March: 14.2%
- Difference
- 2.4 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 19.5%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 19.5%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 19.5%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 19.5%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 0.6% higher than the 5-year average of 14.7%.
- 5-year average
- 14.7%
- 10-year average
- 15.3%
- All-time high (1986)
- 18.7%
- All-time low (1988)
- 12.8%
Trend
Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 1990, the difference is minimal (+1.0 percentage point).
- Change vs. previous year
- +1.0 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- July: +2.7 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 13.3% 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 €115.30 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1991
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1990 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14.3% | -1.0 |
| February | 14.9% | -0.2 |
| March | 14.2% | -0.7 |
| April | 14.8% | +0.4 |
| May | 15.3% | +1.4 |
| June | 15.2% | +1.7 |
| July | 15.8% | +2.7 |
| August | 15.6% | +2.1 |
| September | 15.3% | +0.9 |
| October | 16.6% | +2.3 |
| November | 15.4% | +0.3 |
| December | 16.4% | +2.0 |
| Average | 15.3% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.