Inflation Eases Slightly As Prices Cool In November

Inflation Takes A Small Step Back

South Africans felt a cautious sense of relief this week as new data confirmed that inflation slowed again in November. According to Statistics South Africa, consumer price inflation eased to 3.5% year-on-year, down slightly from 3.6% in October.

It is not a dramatic shift, but in an economy where household budgets have been under pressure for years, even small movements matter. This marks the second time in 2025 that inflation has cooled, following an earlier dip recorded in March.

For many families heading into the festive season, the numbers suggest that price increases are no longer accelerating at the pace seen in recent years. But the lived reality remains uneven, depending on what households spend their money on each month.

Where Prices Are Finally Cooling

Stats SA’s latest release shows that inflation slowed in five out of the 13 product categories tracked. Some of the biggest relief came from transport, an important category for commuters facing high fuel and travel costs. Recreation, sport and culture also showed slower price growth, along with information and communication services.

Patrick Kelly, Stats SA’s chief director for price statistics, said four categories recorded no change at all, suggesting price stability is returning in parts of the economy.

On social media, some users welcomed the transport slowdown, with commuters noting that fuel prices have been one of the most unpredictable household expenses over the past two years. Others, however, were quick to point out that inflation averages do not always reflect daily shopping realities.

Food Still Tells A Different Story

Despite the overall dip, not all price pressures are easing. Inflation rose in categories that hit consumers most directly, including food and non-alcoholic beverages, restaurants and accommodation services, as well as alcoholic beverages and tobacco.

This is where many households continue to feel squeezed. Grocery bills remain high, and eating out or travelling during the holidays is still far more expensive than it was before the pandemic.

Economists often note that food inflation tends to be the most emotionally felt, especially in lower and middle-income households. That reality has not changed, even as headline inflation edges lower.

Why This Matters For South Africans

While a 3.5% inflation rate sits comfortably within the Reserve Bank’s target range, it does not automatically translate into immediate relief. Wages have not always kept pace with rising costs, and many consumers are still paying off debt accumulated during tougher years.

However, the data does strengthen the case for economic stability going into 2026. Slower inflation could influence future interest rate decisions and offer breathing room for households planning big expenses in the new year.

As one commenter put it online, inflation may be cooling on paper, but everyday life will only feel cheaper once food and essentials follow the same trend. For now, November’s figures offer cautious optimism rather than celebration.

{Source:EWN}

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