A low-income home now pays 20% more for a basic food basket than a year ago
THE price of a typical food basket for a low-income household has increased to its highest level to date, driven mainly by a surge in the price of maize meal.In August, the price of a low-income household’s food basket rose R318 or almost 20% to R1,942 compared to August 2015, according to research by the Pietermaritzburg Agency for Community Social Action (Pacsa).The Pacsa basket is constructed on the observed actual consumption patterns of an average low-income household of seven people.The 20% price surge in this food basket over the past year was driven largely by maize meal. As a result of the severe drought, a 25kg bag of maize cost R233 this August — nearly 40% or R66 more than a year ago.The price of sugar is also trending higher, with a 10kg bag of white sugar up R11 in August this year compared to the previous month. This moved the total price of a bag of sugar to R136 — a 26% increase on August last year.Other foodstuffs that contributed to the steep annual increase in Au...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.