Falling prices: Things which cost less than they did in January

They're splashed all across the media and are hard to ignore as they directly affect your pocket.

However, a decrease in the price of goods and services are not much-talked about. 

That doesn't mean it never happens!

Statistics South Africa has shared some interesting insights into falling prices.

It has compiled a list of things that cost less in August than it did in January this year.

The prices of cellphones, fruit, furniture and bread saw the biggest decline in that order.

The price of fuel has seen a slight decrease between January and August.

Stats SA says if you prefer using 93 octane petrol and live inland, filling a 45 litre tank in August would have set you back R577 compared with the R589 it would have cost you in January.

The R12 savings doesn't sound like much, but when you're counting your last rands and cents, every saving helps.

Overall, fuel was 1.7% cheaper in August than it was in January.

However, the third consecutive fuel price hike was recorded in October.

Motorists are forking out 25 cents more for a litre of 93 octane petrol - while 95 octane petrol cost 29 cents more a litre.

The price of diesel is up by 42c/l, while paraffin costs 52 cents extra per litre.

To fill a 45 litre tank with 93 octane petrol will set you back R618.30 in October.

The better: bread, butter and vegetables

With the price of vegetables declining, it may be a good idea to start that new healthy lifestyle now.

Stats SA says vegetable prices fell by 3.6% in the first eight months of 2017, after rising rapidly in the second half of 2015 to peak in early 2016.

Lettuce, tomatoes, pumpkins and potatoes in particular will provide some cash relief to your healthy lifestyle.

Bread and cereal prices have also eased over the course of this year, after rising quite steeply in 2016.

It comes after the recovery from the worst droughts in history.

Bread and cereal prices dropped by 4% in August compared with January.

Rusks and bread flour are notable items that have fallen in price.

Stats SA says together with bread products, margarine is also cheaper, making your lunchtime sandwich that much more cost effective.

The best: fruit and telecommunications

Stats SA has revealed that bananas, plums and pineapples contributed to fruit prices falling by 8.4% in August compared with January.

The last time the fruit price index was around this level was in June 2016.

Great news for those who spend their day on their phone - now is as good a time as any to buy a new cellphone.

The price of cellphones has fallen by 8.6% in August compared with January.

Stats SA explains that the average price for a cellphone, has decreased by R82 from R2622 in January 2017 to R2540 in August 2017.

Since January 2014, overall prices for telecommunication equipment have fallen by 36%, Stats SA reveals.