How much more you’re paying for toilet paper, toothpaste and deodorant in South Africa
Although the price of many food items cooled in June 2024, some other essential items are still facing price pressures in South Africa, including domestic and personal hygiene products.
The most recent household affordability index published by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) has indicated a notable improvement in food prices across the country, with a decrease in year-on-year inflation.
The PMBEJD index, which is based on a selection of 44 essential food items commonly purchased by the majority of South African households, revealed a 1.5% month-on-month price decline.
Year-on-year, the prices increased by only 3.9%, which is well below the headline inflation rate.
As of June 2024, the average cost of the Household Food Basket was reported at R5,252.77, representing a decrease of R77.53 (-1.5%) from May 2024, when it was R5,330.30.
In comparison to June 2023, the average cost rose by R196.32 (3.9%) from R5,056.45.
Out of the 44 food items included in the basket, prices for 30 items decreased between May and June 2024, while prices for 14 items increased during the same period.
However, between June 2023 and June 2024, 13 food prices decreased; one remained the same, and 30 others increased, showing that food items are still experiencing some price pressures.
These items include key food categories like rice, sugar, and sugar beans, which have all seen double-digit increases due to global crop pressures. Eggs also remain high.
While the price of food seems to be settling in South Africa, this doesn’t seem to be the same for the groups Household Domestic & Personal Hygiene Index.
Domestic and personal hygiene products are critical expenses for safe hygiene and overall health and well-being.
The money needed to secure domestic and personal hygiene products is sourced from within the food budget. These products compete viciously in the food budget.
The group noted that the cost of the household domestic and personal hygiene products basket increased by R74.70 (7.8%) from R954,96 in June 2023 to R1,029.66 in June 2024, well above inflation.
Of the 14 household and hygiene products tracked, nine saw price increases above inflation, while only two saw a year-on-year decrease in prices.
Inflation in South Africa eased in April, with the consumer price index (CPI) recording an annual increase of 5.2%, down from 5.3% in March and 5.6% in February.
Of the nine items that beat inflation, Five saw double-digit increases (>10%), including:
- Sanitary pads (+21%)
- Shoe Polish (+19%)
- Vaseline (+14%)
- Spray-on deodorant (+13%)
- Cream (+10%)
- Toothpaste (+10%)
According to NIQ’s Consumer Outlook Report of 2024, 44% of South African consumers feel that their financial situation has worsened compared to the previous year.
Among these respondents, 82% attribute their recent financial struggles to increased living costs, up from 76% in the previous year.
Moreover, nearly two-thirds (62%) state that they are worse off due to the economic slowdown, compared to 57% in the previous year.
Consequently, many have resorted to downgrading from premium to mainstream or value products as a strategy to cope with these challenges.
Approximately 48% have switched to lower-priced options, while an additional 48% stock up or buy in bulk when their preferred products are on sale or promotion.
Furthermore, 31% are purchasing larger package sizes. Around 46% are increasing their visits to discount or value stores, 31% are shopping online to find better deals and save on transport costs, and 59% are frequenting stores where they can use loyalty points to manage their spending.
The report emphasises that South African consumers have been impacted by several years of load shedding, rising costs, and slow economic growth, which is now starting to affect everyday South Africans.
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