# South Africa’s consumer inflation increased to 4.5-percent in May 2026, rising from four-percent in April and reaching its highest level since July 2024. Statistics show the increase was mainly driven by higher fuel prices, with petrol up 24.8-percent and diesel rising 53.8-percent year-on-year. Food inflation eased to 1.9-percent, with lower prices for cereals, fruit and vegetables. Economists say fuel costs remain a key factor influencing overall inflation pressures.
Fuel prices push SA inflation higher to 4.5%