Cost of basic food basket increases to almost 11% in a year

South Africans are paying almost 1% more for a basic basket of food now compared to a year ago.

According to the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group’s October Household Affordability Index, this amounts to R430.

This comes as the price of fuel increased at midnight.

Both grades of petrol have gone up by 51 cents, while diesel increased by R1.43 a litre.

The Energy Department says the high demand and continued low supply of diesel have led to a higher increase in diesel prices compared to petrol.

The group’s programme co-ordinator, Mervyn Abrahams, says this will further push up food prices.

PODCAST – A basic 44-item food basket now costs R430 more in South Africa compared to a year ago: