Inflation South Africa 1996
Average inflation: 7.3%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 7.3%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in December at 9.3%. The lowest inflation was in April at 5.5%.
- Highest month
- December: 9.3%
- Lowest month
- April: 5.5%
- Difference
- 3.8 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 6.1%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 6.1%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 6.1%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 6.1%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 2.4% lower than the 5-year average of 9.7%. This approaches the lowest level since records began (7.3% in 1996).
- 5-year average
- 9.7%
- 10-year average
- 12.2%
- All-time high (1986)
- 18.7%
- All-time low (1996)
- 7.3%
Trend
Inflation shows a downward trend. Compared to 1995, inflation has fallen by +1.4 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- -1.4 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- April: -5.6 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 5.3% 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 €107.30 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1996
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1995 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6.8% | -2.9 |
| February | 6.5% | -3.3 |
| March | 6.2% | -4.2 |
| April | 5.5% | -5.6 |
| May | 5.8% | -5.1 |
| June | 6.9% | -3.1 |
| July | 7.1% | -1.9 |
| August | 7.4% | -0.3 |
| September | 8.3% | +1.7 |
| October | 9.0% | +2.6 |
| November | 9.1% | +2.7 |
| December | 9.3% | +2.4 |
| Average | 7.3% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.