Core staples in food basket saw price increases in March

27 March 2025 | Economic factors

By: Yogashen Pillay – IOL Business Report

The March 2025 household affordability index released by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity Group (PMBEJD) on Wednesday (26/03/2025) indicated that the food basket has increased by R16,14 (0,3%), from R5 313,22 in February 2025 to R5 329,36 in March 2025.

The index also indicated that the average cost of the household food basket increased by R51,43 (1,0%), from R5 277,93 in March 2024 to R5 329,36 in March 2025.

PMBEJD said that in March, of the 44 foods tracked in the basket: 22 foods increased in price, and 21 foods decreased in price, and one food: oranges, remained unchanged – they are still holding their November proxy price.

“The core staple foods of maize meal, rice, cake flour, white sugar, sugar beans, samp, and cooking oil – all saw price increases in March. This is problematic as these items take up proportionally the most money in the household purse, and are bought first. This means that the diversity of the family diet is dependent on the total cost of the staple foods, as the more nutrient-rich foods like eggs, meats, dairy, and vegetables are only bought after the core staple foods have been secured.”

PMBEJD added that foods in the basket which increased in price in March 2025 by 5% or more include: onions (5%), carrots (15%), butternut (7%), and cabbage (6%).

“Foods in the basket which increased in price in March 2025 by 2% or more include: maize meal (2%), sugar beans (4%), samp (3%), cooking oil (2%), frozen chicken portions (2%), curry powder (3%), wors (4%), spinach (3%), bananas (2%), and peanut butter (4%).”

PMBEJD said that meat prices came down, with the exception of frozen chicken portions which increased by 2%, with 10kg costing R410,41.