The Competition Commission has raised concerns over potential price gouging in South Africa, as essential goods and services remain at record highs despite falling input costs. The commission’s latest Cost of Living Report 2026 highlights that living expenses continue to rise, even as producer prices ease. The report, released on Friday, points to sharp fuel price increases in the first half of 2026, driven by geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.
The commission warned that pricing practices in both public and private sectors are contributing to the surge in living costs. It emphasized that while input prices have dropped, the cost of essential goods and services has not followed suit. This discrepancy has led to growing public frustration, with many households struggling to afford basic necessities. The report calls for closer scrutiny of pricing strategies to ensure they do not unfairly burden consumers.
The Competition Commission has threatened to investigate further if evidence of exploitative pricing practices is found. The situation reflects broader economic challenges, including inflation and currency instability. As the report underscores, the gap between input costs and consumer prices continues to widen, raising questions about market fairness and regulatory oversight.
