South Africa’s (SA) inflation, which eased to 3% in February 2026 from 3.5% in January, is expected to rise sharply in the coming months due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, an independent economist has warned.

Elize Kruger noted that the United States, Israeli, and Iranian war is pushing up Brent crude oil prices, which will likely drive fuel costs higher. She predicts inflation could reach around 4.5% by April as companies pass on increased petrol and diesel costs to consumers.

Kruger explained that petrol prices could hit R6 per litre ($0.32) and diesel R10 ($0.54) if current oil and Rand levels persist, triggering a broader price increase across goods and services, especially food, and creating a second-round inflation effect on the economy.

–ChannelAfrica–