# Agriculture minister John Steenhuisen has welcomed the drop in food inflation to its lowest level in 14 months, but warns that soaring fuel prices are threatening South Africa’s agricultural sector. According to the Consumer Price Index data, annual food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation eased to 2.9-percent in April, down from 3.6-percent in March. Steenhuisen says diesel is a crucial input for South African farmers, typically accounting for 11 to 18-percent of total production and logistics costs. He says protecting producers from global energy shocks is necessary for long-term national food security.
Minister Steenhuisen welcomes easing food inflation amid fuel price concerns