South Africa inflation eases in November, but households feel the squeeze

• Fuel price drop offsets stubborn food and housing costs
• Services inflation and regional gaps complicate policy outlook

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s inflation edged lower in November, but the relief remains largely statistical as households continue to face higher food and housing costs.

Consumer inflation eased to 3.5% in November 2025 from 3.6% in October, according to the latest consumer price index released by Statistics South Africa.