Prices of average household food basket continue to skyrocket

The August 2022 Household Affordability Index, which tracks food prices data from forty four supermarkets and thirty butcheries in the country has shown that in August the average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R26,72 (0.6%) from R4 748,87 to R4 775,59. 

This was revealed by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity (PMBJED),The food prices are tracked from supermarkets and butcheries in Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg and Springbok in the Northern Cape. 

KEY DATA FROM AUGUST HOUSEHOLD AFFORDABILITY INDEX  

According to the PMBJED, in August 2022 the average cost of the Household Food Basket stood at R4 775,59.

• Month-on-month: The average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R26,72 (0,6%), from  R4 748,87 in July 2022 to R4 775,59 in August 2022.

• Year-on-year: The average cost of the Household Food Basket increased by R534,47 (12,6%), from R4 241,11 in August 2021 to R4 775,59 in August 2022.

Notably, the year-on-year data shows a moderation in comparison to months coming before August 2021, because the July 2021 unrest caused food prices to spike unprecedented thereafter in Durban, Pietermaritzburg and Joburg.

Month-on-month data is also reportedly showing a lowering of inflation on the total basket price for the second consecutive month. 

“We are seeing inflation on fewer foods within the basket compared to previous months, namely; August saw 21/44 food increases in price – this is notably lower than previous months: July 31/44, June 29/44, May 28/44, and April 35/44.” 

PMBJED

The group said that it needs to be cautioned that whilst the monthly price increases do appear to be lowering, the household basket is still increasing, albeit at a slower pace. We are not yet seeing any significant climb down in prices which would bring down the total cost of the household food basket in a substantial way and alleviate pressures on households. 

“With no climb down yet in sight and with the higher taxi fares now effected and, for many prepaid users, high tariff increases – well beyond the regulated 7,47% – women are struggling. 

“Progress in addressing the jobs crisis is too slow and wages for those who do have a job, and for people who are able to access some form of social grant, are still far too low, and are being decimated by higher costs of transport, electricity, and food.”

PMBJED

FOOD BASKET PRICES IN DIFFERENT CITIES 

Data from the PMBJED also shows that food baskets increased in Joburg, Springbok and Pietermaritzburg, and decreased in Durban and Cape Town.

• The Joburg basket increased by R117,02 (2,5%) month-on-month, and increased by R557,37 (12,9%) year-on-year, to R4 888,50 in August 2022. 26/44 foods in the Joburg basket increased in price.

• The Durban basket decreased by R44,11 (-0.9%) month-on-month, and increased by R519,27 (12,1%) year-on-year, to R4 807,78 in August 2022. 19/44 foods in the Durban basket increased in price.

• The Cape Town basket decreased by R23,63 (-0,5%) month-on-month, and increased by R543,90 (13,3%) year-on-year, to R4 624,63 in August 2022. 17/44 foods in the Cape Town basket increased in price.

• The Springbok basket increased by R13,18 (0,3%) month-on-month, and increased by R367,49 (8,1%) year-on-year, to R4 932,31 in August 2022. 16/44 foods in the Springbok basket increased in price.

• The Pietermaritzburg basket increased by R105,40 (2,3%) month-on-month, and increased by R577,34 (14,1%) year-on-year, to R4 670,34 in August 2022. 25/44 foods in the Pietermaritzburg basket increased in price.

• Maize meal prices continue to climb across all areas. Flour prices also increased in all areas except Durban. Cooking oil continued to increase in Joburg, this month by a further R7,08 or 3% taking a 5L bottle to R246,91. Cape Town also saw an increase. Joburg and Pietermaritzburg saw very high increases on bread (4% white bread and 8% brown bread, and in Pietermaritzburg 9% white bread and 11% brown bread).

• Joburg saw high increases across most meats tracked, with beef increasing by 7%. Frozen chicken prices increased everywhere except Springbok. Tomatoes, butternut, and green pepper prices drove higher prices in vegetables, across most areas. 

Household domestic and personal hygiene products

The August 2022 Household Domestic & Personal Hygiene Index shows an increase of R23,84 (2,7%) month-on-month. 

Year-on-year the household domestic and personal hygiene products index increased by R152,35 (20,4%) bringing the total average cost of basic household domestic and personal hygiene products to R900,45 in August 2022.

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