Food prices increase in April 2026 – NBS

In April 2026, South Africa’s National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) food basket rose by about **0.9 % month‑on‑month**, marking the largest increase since the pandemic. Staple items that drove the rise included maize meal (+1.6 %), fresh vegetables (+1.4 %), and poultry (+1.2 %). The annual food inflation rate reached **7.3 %**, reflecting higher input costs, supply‑chain disruptions, and a weaker rand. The NBS warned that continued pressure on agricultural inputs could keep food prices elevated in the coming months. Views Nigeria