Inflation South Africa 2002

Average inflation: 9.5%

Current Inflation

Inflation is very high at 9.5%, far above the ECB target.

Peak and Trough

The highest inflation was in November at 14.0%. The lowest inflation was in January at 5.0%.

Highest month
November: 14.0%
Lowest month
January: 5.0%
Difference
9.0 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 17.3%. The lowest price increase was in Food and non-alcoholic beverages with an average of 17.3%.

Highest increase
Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 17.3%
Lowest increase
Food and non-alcoholic beverages: 17.3%

Historical Context

Current inflation is 3.0% higher than the 5-year average of 6.5%.

5-year average
6.5%
10-year average
7.6%
All-time high (1986)
18.7%
All-time low (2000)
5.3%

Trend

Inflation shows an upward trend. Compared to 2001, inflation has risen by +3.8 percentage point.

Change vs. previous year
+3.8 percentage points
Largest monthly swing
November: +9.7 percentage points

ECB Target

Inflation is 7.5% 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 €109.50 next year at this inflation rate.

Multi-year trend

Monthly figures 2002

Inflation by category

Food and non-alcoholic beverages
17.3%
+7.8vs avg.
More details →

Inflation differs per product group. Click on a category for the historical trend.

Month overview

Month Inflation Difference vs. 2001
January 5.0% -2.1
February 6.0% -1.8
March 6.3% -1.1
April 7.6% +1.1
May 7.7% +1.3
June 8.1% +1.8
July 10.0% +4.7
August 10.8% +6.2
September 11.4% +7.0
October 13.2% +9.2
November 14.0% +9.7
December 13.5% +8.9
Average 9.5%

Data source

Data from OECD. Last updated: 19/12/2025.

See also