Food prices in Eswatini relatively stable, but production costs pose risks

Food prices in Eswatini recorded relatively modest movements in October, according to the Eswatini Competition Commission's Monthly Price Tracker. The report presents a mixed picture of the domestic food market, with most monitored commodities registering small price changes between September and October. However, the commission warns that the relatively modest movements at retail level could mask emerging cost pressures within agricultural production and regional supply chains.

The Eswatini Competition Commission's price tracker identifies persistently high fertiliser prices in East and Southern Africa, rising fuel costs, and potential adverse weather conditions as factors that could increase the cost of producing and distributing food. These developments could raise agricultural production expenses ahead of the 2026/27 planting season, potentially leading to reduced agricultural output, threats to food security, and further upward pressure on consumer food prices.

Most essential food commodities in Eswatini recorded moderate price adjustments during October. Rice, sugar, maize meal, cooking oil, and milk registered increases across their monitored pack sizes. The price of a 10kg bag of rice increased by four per cent, from E112.58 in September to E117.13 in October. A 5kg bag of sugar also rose by 2.8 per cent, from E98.74 to E101.54.

Some food products became cheaper during October, providing relief to consumers. Cabbage recorded a 6.3 per cent decline, with the average price per head falling from E15.81 to E14.82. Spinach decreased by 5.9 per cent, from E10.47 to E9.85 per bunch. In the meat category, most monitored beef cuts recorded slight reductions, with stewing beef declining by 1.1 per cent, from E125.71 to E124.28 per kilogramme.

The Eswatini Competition Commission's advocacy and communications manager, Mancoba Mabuza, highlighted the potential consequences of rising agricultural production costs, including reduced agricultural output and threats to food security. The commission monitors the prices of essential food commodities across participating retail outlets to identify unusual movements that could warrant further assessment from a competition and consumer welfare perspective.

The October 2026 assessment by the Eswatini Competition Commission serves as a warning that food prices may not remain stable in the coming months. The commission's price tracker will continue to monitor price movements, and the authority will assess any unusual changes that could impact competition and consumer welfare.

Eswatini relies on South Africa for fertiliser imports, making it vulnerable to changes in global fertiliser prices. The country's agricultural sector may face challenges in the coming months, and stakeholders will be monitoring the situation closely to ensure that food security is not compromised.

Key points

• Rising agricultural production costs and regional supply constraints may threaten future food affordability in Eswatini.