South Africa’s Producer Inflation Hits Monthly Record on Higher Energy and Fertilizer Costs

South Africa’s monthly producer inflation surged to a record in April as the war involving Iran fed higher fertilizer and energy costs into factory prices, according to Bloomberg Economics. The jump underscores how quickly geopolitical shocks can filter through supply chains and raise costs for businesses and consumers.

The report says the increase in factory-gate inflation was driven by imported input costs, especially fertilizer and energy, both of which are closely tied to global commodity markets. Those pressures are being felt across the region, even as some neighboring economies are seeing relief from different local factors.