consumer costslatest news & developments
With consumer debt, fuel costs and household expenses rising, financial experts warn that the latest repo rate increase could further weaken disposable income and increase financial distress.
RESERVE BANK

Higher repo rate adds to pressure on South African households ahead of festive season

With consumer debt, fuel costs and household expenses rising, financial experts warn that the latest repo rate increase could further weaken disposable income and increase…

  • Ashley Lechman
7 min read
With fuel prices set to rise again, inflation expected to climb and borrowing costs increasing, electric and hybrid vehicles could offer South African consumers a way to reduce their monthly transport costs.
ELECTRIC CARS

Could EVs be South Africa’s answer to rising fuel, power and borrowing costs?

Are rising costs starting to tip the maths in an EV's favour?

  • Ashley Lechman
7 min read
South African households face higher debt repayments after the Reserve Bank raised the repo rate to 7.25%, with Debt Rescue warning that consumers have little room left in their budgets.
SOUTH AFRICAN RESERVE BANK

Repo rate rises to 7.25% as South African households face renewed financial pressure

South African households face higher debt repayments after the Reserve Bank raised the repo rate to 7.25%, with Debt Rescue warning that consumers have little room left in their…

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
Peanut butter may be a household staple, but the new 20% import duty has turned it into a test of whether South Africa can protect local manufacturers and farmers without adding pressure to already stretched household budgets.
FOOD AFFORDABILITY

How a new import tax aims to save SA's peanut butter

To protect local farmers, South Africa introduced a 20% import tax on foreign peanut butter, a move to boost domestic production that could mean higher grocery bills.

  • Lutho Pasiya
5 min read
Consumers face mounting pressure.
GDP

GDP contraction puts pressure on South African consumers

South Africa’s latest economic number tells a bigger story.

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read
Brent crude has moved closer to $100 a barrel as renewed US-Iran tensions disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, raising the risk of another South African fuel-price increase in October.
OIL

Brent nears $100 after Hormuz tensions, raising fuel-price concerns

Brent crude has moved closer to $100 a barrel as renewed US-Iran tensions disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, raising the risk of another South African fuel-price…

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
South African motorists face sharp September fuel increases, with diesel rising by up to R3.15 a litre and petrol increasing by R1.34.
FUEL CRISIS

Fuel prices rise sharply as South African motorists face higher September costs

South African motorists face sharp September fuel increases, with diesel rising by up to R3.15 a litre and petrol increasing by R1.34.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
Petrol prices will rise by R1.34 a litre and diesel by up to R3.15 from Wednesday, 2 September, adding pressure to household and transport budgets.
FUEL PRICE

Spring brings pain at the pumps as fuel prices increase for September

Petrol and diesel prices will rise from Wednesday, 2 September, adding pressure to household and transport budgets.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
R99 for a bag of onions? As prices jump 21%, behavioural economists explain why hikes on everyday staples trigger far more outrage than luxury splurges.
INFLATION

Onion prices surge 21%: Inside the mental squeeze on SA budgets

From winter harvest delays to consumer psychology: why price spikes on kitchen staples hit household budgets far harder than discretionary luxuries.

  • Lutho Pasiya
3 min read
A new Wonga survey shows 41% of South Africans use credit every month for essentials, while 32% have borrowed from informal lenders amid mounting financial pressure.
LOAN MARKET

South Africans turning to loan sharks as cost of living crisis deepens

A new Wonga survey shows 41% of South Africans use credit every month for essentials, while 32% have borrowed from informal lenders amid mounting financial pressure.

  • Ashley Lechman
4 min read
With household finances under pressure, South African consumers are increasingly using AI to research products, compare prices and assess whether brands are delivering genuine value.
AI

South African shoppers using AI to get more value

Amid rising living costs, South African consumers are turning to AI to make smarter shopping decisions, but are brands keeping up with their expectations?

  • Ashley Lechman
5 min read