GOOD news for 2026 food prices in South Africa

It’s good news for 2026 food prices in South Africa. The on-again, off-again Middle East conflict has had global energy prices in a tailspin. This month (April 2026) saw record fuel-price increases in South Africa, tempered somewhat by government intervention on the reduced fuel levy.

Nevertheless, economists predicted far worse knock-on effects than is actually the case. In fact, chief economist at the Agricultural Business Chamber, Wandile Sihlobo, is impressed at South Africa’s resilience so far …

2026 FOOD PRICES IN SOUTH AFRICA

Speaking to BusinessDay, he says there are a multitude of factors in our favour to soften the blow to 2026 food prices in South Africa. For example, South Africa’s ample supply of fruits, vegetables and grains has cushioned the impact and kept prices at maintainable levels. Also, he explains that start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022 was far worse. In that instance, grain prices increased overnight because that region is a major grain producer.

Better still, the United Nations Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO) confirmed the good news. In its latest FOA Price Index (March), 2026 food prices in South Africa have only increase by 2.4%, up to 128.5 points. In a bid to help those living in poverty on SASSA grants, the index tracks global changes in the price of basic basket of food items.

RUSSIA-UKRAINE WAR WAS WORSE

As it stands, that’s still 30-points below the FOA index’s all-time peak of 159.3 points, which it reached in March 2022, at the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. As such, 2026 food prices in South Africa have increased modestly, driven only by higher oil/fuel and cushioned by ample supply stock.

However, rising fuel and fertiliser prices – caused by a prolonged conflict in the Strait of Hormuz – are inevitable, says Sihlobo. And this is due to the higher logistics costs as diesel prices rise. He explains that 80% of grain-related products and 90% of fruits are transported by road in South Africa.

2026 FOOD PRICES IN SOUTH AFRICA UNDER CONTROL

It is inevitable that food producers and distributors across the country will raise their prices in order to meet increased transport costs. However, this should still be relatively moderate, as South Africa’s actual supply of food products remains steady. A swift resolution to the conflict is key to this outcome.

But what do you think? Have you seen 2026 food prices in South Africa increase already? Be sure to share some examples you’ve seen on the shelves in the comments section below …