Rwanda’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 6.3 percent in February from a year earlier, easing from 7.4 percent in January as food prices stabilized, though transport and restaurant costs remained elevated, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).
On a monthly basis, prices increased by 0.9 percent, compared with a 1.6 percent decline the previous month. Urban CPI increased by 6.3 percent in February compared to 7.4 percent in January, signaling a slowdown in inflationary pressure. Rural inflation dropped to 2.2 percent from 4.5 percent a month earlier, as food prices moderated in agricultural regions.
Food and non-alcoholic beverages, which make up 27 percent of the urban CPI, rose 4.5 percent on an annual basis, while restaurant and hotel prices surged 11.6 percent. Transport costs remained a major driver of inflation, increasing 17.4 percent from a year earlier despite government efforts to contain fuel prices.
“Inflationary pressures are moderating, but transport costs and restaurant prices remain key upward drivers,” NISR said in its report. “Underlying inflation, which excludes fresh food and energy, increased by 6.2 percent year-on-year, signaling persistent price pressures.”
