Inflation South Africa 1999
Average inflation: 5.3%
Current Inflation
Inflation is very high at 5.3%, far above the ECB target.
Peak and Trough
The highest inflation was in January at 8.9%. The lowest inflation was in October at 1.7%.
- Highest month
- January: 8.9%
- Lowest month
- October: 1.7%
- Difference
- 7.2 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 4.9%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 4.9%.
- Highest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 4.9%
- Lowest increase
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 4.9%
Historical Context
Current inflation is 2.1% lower than the 5-year average of 7.4%. This approaches the lowest level since records began (5.3% in 1999).
- 5-year average
- 7.4%
- 10-year average
- 9.9%
- All-time high (1986)
- 18.7%
- All-time low (1999)
- 5.3%
Trend
Inflation shows a downward trend. Compared to 1998, inflation has fallen by +1.6 percentage point.
- Change vs. previous year
- -1.6 percentage points
- Largest monthly swing
- November: -7.4 percentage points
ECB Target
Inflation is 3.3% 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 €105.30 next year at this inflation rate.
Multi-year trend
Monthly figures 1999
Inflation by category
Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.
Month overview
| Month | Inflation | Difference vs. 1998 |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8.9% | +3.2 |
| February | 8.6% | +3.3 |
| March | 7.9% | +2.5 |
| April | 7.6% | +2.6 |
| May | 7.0% | +1.9 |
| June | 7.2% | +2.0 |
| July | 4.9% | -1.7 |
| August | 3.3% | -4.3 |
| September | 1.9% | -7.1 |
| October | 1.7% | -7.3 |
| November | 1.9% | -7.4 |
| December | 2.2% | -6.8 |
| Average | 5.3% |
Data source
Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.