Consumers under pressure this festive season

Significant increases in staple household food prices is making it harder for local consumers to enjoy the festivities. The latest report by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD)

reveals that the cost of the household food basket for November has seen a substantial increase, soaring to R5 314.63 from R4 835.96 the previous month.

The basket comprises 44 essential food items commonly purchased by low income households in South Africa every month.

While headline consumer inflation in South Africa cooled to 5.5% in November, food prices and the cost of non-alcoholic beverages experienced a four-month high of 9%. Meat inflation climbed to 3.5%.

The outbreak of Avian flu has continued to disrupt the poultry market, leading to a surge in individual quick frozen (IQF) chicken prices by 7.3%, and non-IQF frozen chicken by 9.1%. Meanwhile, egg prices have skyrocketed by 10.6%.

Stats SA has reported that headline consumer inflation cooled to 5.5% in November, primarily driven by a decrease in the fuel price index. However, food and non-alcoholic beverages climbed to a four-month high of 9%, with meat inflation reaching 3.5% in November.

According to Stats SA, fruit products saw an increase of 11.5% in November, the highest level since December 2020. Sugar, sweets, and desserts also climbed from

October’s 17.6% to 18.5%.

The Hilton spoke to local consumers, who confirmed that they are feeling the pinch, with some saying they are struggling to cope with the rising food prices.

Pensioner Francis Wilkinson said: “I buy economically being a pensioner. I receive a fixed income and therefore I have to be careful with my money especially the way in which I spend it.

“We might be a bit boring but my focus is purchasing the basic and nutritious items.”

Agnus Ngubane added: “The prices are so high but there is nothing I can do about it. I just make sure I have made a grocery list that can match my budget before I shop.”