Education costs push inflation higher in March

The data shows the main contributions to inflation came from education, amid rising tuition costs

Black News Black News
Apr 22, 2026 - 11:26
Education costs push inflation higher in March

The latest data released by Statistics South Africa shows that consumer price inflation increased marginally from 3% in February to 3.1% in March.

The data shows that the main contributions to inflation in the period came from transportation and education, amid rising tuition costs.

Stats SA says deflation in transport inflation resulted from an 8.7% fuel price drop over the last twelve months.

It adds that the inflation data for March covers information collected before the sharp fuel price increases introduced on 1 April.

Stats SA’s Patrick Kelly says, “Tuition fees increased by 5,4% in 2026, higher than the 4,5% rise recorded in 2025. Primary and secondary education rose by 2,8% compared to 5% last year, while tertiary education increased by 4,2%, up from 3,7% in 2025. Primary and secondary schools recorded the sharpest rise of all the education categories, climbing by 7,5%”.

“Moving onto the transport category, where the annual rate increased from -2,1% in February to -6,1% in March. meaning transport goods and services were 1,6% cheaper in March 2026 compared to March last year,” added Kelly.

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