Inflation South Africa 1997
Average inflation: 8.6%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 8.6%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in February at 9.9%. The lowest inflation was in December at 6.2%.
- Highest month
- February: 9.9%
- Lowest month
- December: 6.2%
- Difference
- 3.7 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 9.5%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 9.5%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 9.5%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 9.5%
Historical Context
Current inflation is around the 5-year average of 8.6%.
- 5-year average
- 8.6%
- 10-year average
- 11.4%
- All-time high (1986)
- 18.7%
- All-time low (1996)
- 7.3%
Trend
Inflation has remained relatively stable. Compared to 1996, the difference is minimal (+1.3 percentage point).
- Change vs. previous year
- +1.3 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- April: +4.3 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 6.6% 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 €108.60 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1997
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1996 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 9.3% | +2.5 |
| February | 9.9% | +3.4 |
| March | 9.6% | +3.4 |
| April | 9.8% | +4.3 |
| May | 9.5% | +3.7 |
| June | 8.8% | +1.9 |
| July | 9.1% | +2.0 |
| August | 8.7% | +1.3 |
| September | 8.1% | -0.2 |
| October | 7.6% | -1.4 |
| November | 6.9% | -2.2 |
| December | 6.2% | -3.1 |
| Average | 8.6% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.