South Africa’s annual consumer inflation rose marginally to 3.1% in March from 3.0% the previous month, data from Statistics South Africa showed. Overall, inflation continues to stay relatively low and stable.

On a monthly basis, consumer prices rose by 0.6%. The increase was mainly driven by higher costs in housing and utilities, food, and financial services.

Six out of the 13 major spending categories recorded price increases, including transport, education, and restaurants.

Education remained one of the biggest contributors, with tuition fees surging 5.4% over the past year. Private education saw the sharpest rise, climbing by 7.5%.

By contrast, transport costs remained in negative territory, falling 1.6% year-on-year, though the pace of decline is slowing.

Officials pointed out that the data was collected before April’s fuel price hikes, suggesting upward pressure on transport costs could emerge in the coming months.

Food inflation eased marginally to 3.6%. Several key categories, including fruits, vegetables, cereals, and dairy, recorded deflation. Dairy prices in particular have now declined for 10 consecutive months.

While goods inflation continues to moderate, services inflation is gaining momentum.