To compile its survey, the PMBEJD’s data collectors track food prices on the shelves of 44 supermarkets and 30 butcheries that target the low-income market in the greater areas of Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg, Springbok in the far northwest and the far northeastern town of Mtubatuba.
The cost of three items in the index — green peppers, cooking oil and samp — which is similar to grits — fell in May from the month before. There’s no guarantee the downward trajectory in food inflation will be maintained. The daily power outages that are being imposed on the country by state electricity utility Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. are increasing the cost of food production at companies including Tiger Brands Ltd., RFG Holdings Ltd. and Astral Foods Ltd.In times of uncertainty you need journalism you can trust.