Daily DispatchDaily Dispatch

Economy

Latest news & developments
Mineral & petroleum resources minister Gwede Mantashe. Picture:

Mantashe wants oil firms to stockpile 21 days of fuel, at their cost

Petroleum resources minister warns the economy will lose R1bn a day if SA runs out of fuel

The government is expected to announce a reduction in fuel prices this week. Picture:

Inflation data a guide on next rate call

Oil price swings and global tensions cloud South Africa's inflation forecasts

When consumer confidence is low, households tend to limit spending to basic necessities such as food to free up the income for debt repayment. Picture:

Consumer confidence plunges to worst level since VAT crisis, and fuel is to blame

Fuel price surge and Iran war fallout squeeze household budgets

The April spike in inflation will be top of mind when the South African Reserve Bank's monetary policy committee, chaired by governor Lesetja Kganyago, ponders on interest rates next week. Picture:

Buckle up - Reserve bank likely to raise interest rates

The South African Reserve Bank is increasingly likely to raise interest rates next week.

Lower food prices today cannot hide the heavy operational burdens our producers face due to escalating energy costs, says agriculture minister John Steenhuisen.

Steenhuisen warns record-high fuel prices threaten SA’s agricultural sector

Statistics SA reports lowest food inflation rate in 14 months, but agriculture minister warns farmers are under pressure

South Africa overtook Spain as the world’s largest citrus exporter by volume in 2025. File picture

SA citrus outlook darkens amid floods and Middle East war

Early estimates indicate 10%–12% of the Eastern Cape crop may be affected

An Iranian woman walks next to a mural on a street in Tehran, Iran.

‘Blindsided’ PIC takes R350bn knock

Public Investment Corporation CEO was briefing parliament’s standing committee on finance

An Iranian woman walks next to a mural on a street in Tehran, Iran.

PIC takes close to R350bn knock in assets due to US-Iran war

PIC CEO was briefing parliament’s standing committee on finance

A fuel attendee fills up a car.

Fuel prices to hit new highs in May

From Wednesday, all grades of petrol and diesel see major increases

Motorists are set for further relief with the reduction in the fuel levy for petrol extended to June 2, while the surcharge for diesel will be temporarily halted.

Govt extends fuel reduction levy on petrol, cuts diesel surcharge to zero

Motorists face further hefty fuel price increases despite government interventions

A woman walks past an electronic board at the JSE in Sandton, Johannesburg, in this file photo.

Crypto to face new rules as SA plans major revamp of exchange controls

South Africa is revising exchange controls to boost investment and regulate crypto assets

Food and beverages registered the largest decrease in February retail sales, shrinking by 5% year on year. File photo.

Retail sales growth slows in February and will remain muted this year

Annual growth in retail sales slowed to 1.6% in February from an upwardly revised 4.4% in January, with further easing on the cards in the months ahead as increased fuel costs drive other prices higher for consumers.

Mineral and petroleum resources minister Gwede Mantashe reassures parliament that despite rising pump prices, South Africa's fuel supply remains secure.

Fuel supply not at risk due to good terms with Iran, Mantashe says

Minister Mantashe says SA’s fuel supply is stable due to good relations with Iran