Inflation South Africa 1994
Average inflation: 8.9%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 8.9%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in September at 10.1%. The lowest inflation was in April at 6.9%.
- Highest month
- September: 10.1%
- Lowest month
- April: 6.9%
- Difference
- 3.2 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 13.7%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 13.7%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 13.7%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 13.7%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 3.5% lower than the 5-year average of 12.4%. This approaches the lowest level since records began (8.9% in 1994).
- 5-year average
- 12.4%
- 10-year average
- 14.1%
- All-time high (1986)
- 18.7%
- All-time low (1994)
- 8.9%
Trend
Inflation shows a downward trend. Compared to 1993, inflation has fallen by +0.8 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- -0.8 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- April: -4.3 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 6.9% 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 €108.90 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1994
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1993 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10.0% | +0.4 |
| February | 9.9% | +0.9 |
| March | 9.1% | -0.5 |
| April | 6.9% | -4.3 |
| May | 7.2% | -3.5 |
| June | 7.3% | -2.8 |
| July | 8.1% | -1.9 |
| August | 9.2% | -0.1 |
| September | 10.1% | +1.2 |
| October | 9.7% | +0.1 |
| November | 9.9% | +0.7 |
| December | 9.8% | +0.3 |
| Average | 8.9% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.