Stats SA: NW had highest inflation in October

Stats SA has identified the North West as the province with the highest inflation rate in October, with consumers there feeling the pinch of pricier goods.

The province recorded an inflation rate of 4.3%, while the Eastern Cape was on the other end of the spectrum with 3.1%.

In addition to the usual consumer price index (CPI) print, Stats SA also published the inflation rates for each province and for different expenditure bands on Wednesday.

READ: Food and non-alcoholic beverage inflation eases to 3.9% in October - Stats SA

Patrick Kelly, chief director for price statistics at Stats SA, said that overall inflation climbed for a second consecutive month in October.

"Annual consumer inflation rose to 3.6% in October from 3.4% in September. This is the highest inflation print since September 2024, when the rate was 3.8%. The consumer price index (CPI) increased by 0.1% month-on-month in October 2025."

Kelly said affluent households were also not spared in October.

"While the poorest typically experience higher inflation rates, in October the richest recorded the highest rate at 3.9%."