CPI rises to 3.6% in October, highest figure since September 2024

Annual consumer price inflation rose to 3.6% in October year-on-year, slightly up from the 3.4% seen in the previous month.

This is marginally lower than market expectations but still the highest print since September 2024, when inflation heated up to 3.8%.

Stats SA said it was a mixed bag of data in the 12 months to October.

The agency released its latest inflation print on Wednesday.

Chief director for price statistics, Patrick Kelly: "The CPI increased by 0.1% month-on-month in October 2025. The transport, recreation, sport and culture and alcoholic beverages and tobacco categories recorded faster annual inflation rates. On the other side, inflation slowed for several categories, most noticeably restaurants and accommodation services and food and non-alcoholic beverages."