Producer price inflation in South Africa quickened for the third month to 7.8% in May 2026, from April's 4.8% and marking the steepest since April 2023. The increase was mainly driven by coke, petroleum, chemical, rubber and plastic products, which surged 22.1% on higher fuel prices, including diesel (+66.7%) and petrol (+28.1%). Other key contributors included paper and printed products (+8.7%); food, beverages and tobacco (+2.1%); and metals, machinery and equipment (+2.9%). On a monthly basis, the CPI advanced by 2.6%, following a 3% surge in the previous month.