SARB holds repo rate at 6.75 percent amid Iran conflict

The central bank of South Africa maintained its primary lending rate at 6.75% on Thursday, citing the need for caution as geopolitical tensions drive up global energy prices. Officials noted that the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran is expected to exert upward pressure on domestic inflation, necessitating a pause in policy shifts.

The decision by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) was unanimous and aligned with the expectations of economists polled by Reuters. The ongoing Middle East crisis has forced central banks worldwide to reconsider their interest rate paths as previous forecasts are revised in the face of new economic risks. While South African inflation had slowed to the bank's 3% target in February, it is now projected to accelerate toward 4% due to anticipated fuel price hikes and a weaker exchange rate.