South African consumer prices rose 4.5% in the year to September, up from 4.4% in August, according to Statistics South Africa figures reported by AllAfrica.
Food prices rose only 1.2%. Maize meal was 8.6% cheaper, fruit and nuts 4.8% cheaper and cereals had fallen for eight months in a row, though fish and seafood cost 8% more.
Transport was the biggest driver, up 10.8%, as petrol has risen by R6.13 a litre and diesel by R10.66 since January. Rents grew 3.9% in the third quarter.
PSG economist Johann Els expects inflation to go slightly above 5% in October and November before easing from about April. A temporary fuel levy cut from 4 November, of R1.50 a litre on petrol and R3 on diesel, will offset about a quarter of the rise this year.
Source: AllAfrica
