Consumer inflation dips slightly in December

JOHANNESBURG - Price increases are easing.

Consumer inflation has dipped for a second consecutive month and now stands at 7.2 percent.

The latest figure is hoped to persuade the Reserve Bank to calm its interest rate hike.

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But economists say it's likely to still hike rates next week.

High inflation supports the case for the Reserve Bank to hike rates.

The latest print reflecting December inflation show transport and food price increases remain steep.

Food inflation is at 12.7 percent.