The study considered essential food prices across several different supermarkets and butcheries catering to a low-income market, and was then compared between major cities in the country.

The PMBEDJ's study showed that the average household grocery basket costs R5,330.30 as of May 2024, increasing R258.70 since May last year. Items that have increased over double the price include rice, sugar beans, samp, spinach, onions, tomatoes, and apples.

With the return of the weather phenomenon El-Nino, prolonged drought across the Southern African region is expected to contribute to food price inflation in the latter half of 2024, proceeding into 2025.

Darul Ihsan Media Desk