The End of Cheap Beer in South Africa: What Rising Prices Mean

South Africans, both at home and in the diaspora, know that a weekend isn’t complete without a cold beer and a fire. However, the latest economic data suggests a great shift is underway in the local liquor aisles. For the first time in recent memory, your humble lager is outstripping fancy spirits in the inflation race, threatening its status as the nation’s go-to accessible drink. According to Statistics South Africa, the average annual inflation rate for 2025 was a remarkably low 3.2%, the lowest in 21 years. But while general prices cooled, the “dop” did anything but. By December 2025, the annual inflation for beer hit 5.2%, significantly higher than the headline rate. Beer and Spirits: The Great Alcohol Decoupling The real story lies in the widening gap between different types of alcohol. While beer and wine prices have surged, spirits and liqueurs have remained surprisingly stable. In October 2025, spirits rose by just 3.6% compared to wine’s 5.5%. By December, this gap widened further: beer inflation stood at 5.2%, while spirits recorded a modest 2.7% increase. Effectively, the cost of a six-pack is rising nearly twice as fast as a bottle of brandy or gin. For budget-conscious South Africans, the traditional accessible choice is rapidly becoming a relative luxury. South Africa: Beer more expensive in North West If you think the national average is tough, spare a thought for those in the North West. Regional data from late 2025 shows a staggering 11.2% year-on-year spike in beer prices in that province alone. This regional volatility, combined with meat inflation reaching 12.6% in December, has created a perfect storm for the traditional South African braai. Data Breakdown: National Alcohol Inflation (December 2025) Source: Stats SA Why the shift matters For the South African expat looking to return for a visit or the local trying to make ends meet, the message is clear: the cost of socialising is being reshaped. As beer prices continue to climb despite falling fuel costs and lower overall inflation, consumers may be forced to switch their loyalty to the spirits shelf to keep their celebrations affordable.