Inflation edges up in August

South Africa’s headline consumer inflation edged up to 4.8% year-on-year in August from 4.7% in July data from Statistics South Africa showed on Wednesday.

The statistics agency said core inflation also rose to 4.8% year-on-year in August from 4.7% in July.

Read: July inflation falls more than expected

The figures came a day before the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) will announce its latest interest rate decision on Thursday.

Read: Understanding the impact of inflation on investments

Analysts expect the Sarb will leave its main interest rate unchanged as inflation is comfortably within its target range of 3% to 6%.

The Sarb held off from a rate hike when it met in July – its first ‘hold’ decision after 10 consecutive hikes aimed at curbing inflation.

Read: Sarb expected to hold rates next week

The bank’s Monetary Policy Committee has stressed it wants to see inflation sustainably around the midpoint of its target band before it contemplates rate cuts.

The graphs below show the products that recorded the biggest price increases in August.