It seems that there are tough times ahead for consumers within the lower income bracket and others.

The reason is that the prices of most foods have increased, which will see them feeling the pinch. Media reports suggest that milk, eggs and cheese have increased by 1,6 per cent, sugar, sweets and desserts have increased by 0,6 percent and vegetables by 0,1 per cent.

Meanwhile, items such as oil and fats, bread and cereals and meat are said to have decreased by -1,4 per cent, -1 per cent and -0,3 per cent respectively. 

Tobacco and beverages have increased by a per cent between June and July 2014. The annual rate thereof is said to have increased from 5,6 per cent in June 2014 to 5,8 in July 2014. These are only some of the increases. 

The herald spoke to Santa Reynolds, owner of Fruit and Veg City in Randfontein who says her business also is feeling the pinch of inflation.

“People don’t have money to spend anymore and we see it in the reduced number of customers in our store.

“People really are struggling and are finding it hard to make ends meet,” says Reynolds.