Food inflation decreased, but not enough to counteract fuel and tariff increases

VAAL TRIANGLE - After four consecutive months of decline, annual consumer inflation pushed up in August, rising to 4.8% from 4.7% in July. Inflation for food and non-alcoholic beverages continued to cool for a fifth straight month. This was not enough to counteract a rise in fuel prices and increases in municipal tariffs. Several products were cheaper in August, including white bread, brown bread, maize meal and cereals. Prices for most beef and chicken products also declined. Jam and chocolate slabs were cheaper in August, while prices for brown sugar, white sugar and ice cream continued to rise.

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