(Serhii Hryshchyshen/Getty)
Just over two years since Russia invaded Ukraine and sparked an inflation wildfire, South African food prices for key grocery items are on average more than a quarter higher than they were before the start of the conflict.
Though the South African food inflation rate has been easing in recent months, any hope for significant relief for consumers, particularly the poorest, is rapidly receding thanks to a poor local maize crop, weak rand and persistently high fuel prices.
Just how difficult the situation is for the most economically vulnerable is underlined by the Household Affordability Index prepared by advocacy group, Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice & Dignity (PMBEJD).
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