Consumer inflation increases to 5.9% in March

This is up from 5.7% the previous month.

Price hikes in fuel, food and housing utilities were the main contributors. 

"The transport index in March was also driven higher by increases in toll fees, air transport and bus fairs," says Stats SA's Lekau Ranoto. 

"Food and non-alcoholic beverages inflation was softer in March. The monthly rate slowed from 0.9% in February to 0.6%."

"Food categories that registered prices increase between February and March include bread and cereal, meat, milk, eggs and cheese, fish, sugar, sweets and desserts." 

Ranoto says prices for oils, fats, fruits and vegetables decreased in March. 

"Vegetable prices edged lower by 0.4% with decreases recorded for lettuce, mushrooms, dried beans, tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and sweet potatoes.”

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