UASA Media Release: 22 April 2026
Statement by Abigail Moyo, spokesperson of the trade union UASA:
Stats SA reported that food prices, along with higher costs for insurance and financial services, contributed to the slight increase seen in the Consumer Price Inflation (CPI) in March.
Annual CPI increased slightly to 3.1% in March from 3.0% in February. The cost of living rose by 0.6% month-on-month in March.
Current inflation figures do not fully reflect the impact of the Middle East conflict. If the conflict persists, this may represent the lowest inflation rate for the coming months.
The significant fuel price increase at the start of the month will be reflected in mid-May when April’s inflation data is released.
Several essential goods and services, including restaurants, accommodation, education, transport, housing, utilities, information and communication and recreation, recorded higher annual inflation rates.
Given the challenging economic outlook, UASA urges the government to implement measures to ease the burden on South Africans, particularly by addressing the impact of rising fuel prices driven by the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Rising fuel prices significantly affect the cost of everyday household goods and services. Commuting workers and learners who rely on transport face additional burdens, as do those facing rising food and electricity costs.
Economists warn that instability in the Middle East may drive further increases across the domestic economy in the coming months. Effective interventions are needed to address these challenges.
For further enquiries or to set up a personal interview, contact Abigail Moyo at 065 170 0162.