South Africa’s annual inflation rate rose to five percent in June, its highest level in two years, driven mainly by sharply higher fuel prices.

Statistics South Africa says transport costs made the biggest contribution to inflation, with fuel prices up more than 34 percent over the past year.

Food inflation eased to 1.6 percent, with staples such as rice and maize meal becoming cheaper, while meat inflation also slowed.

Chief Director for Price Statistics, Patrick Kelly, says higher fuel costs, however, pushed up taxi, bus and e-hailing fares, contributing to broader cost-of-living pressures.