South Africa inflation eases to 3.5% as fuel prices fall

• Inflation dips to 3.5% in January
• Retail sales growth slows to four-month low

PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s annual inflation rate eased to 3.5% in January, supported by stable food prices and lower fuel costs, official data showed on Wednesday.

Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) reported that consumer price inflation slowed from 3.6% in December 2025 to 3.5% in January 2026. On a month-on-month basis, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.2%.