Rwanda’s Urban Consumer Price Index (CPI), the main measure of inflation, rose 7.3 per cent year-on-year in July, up from 7 per cent in June, according to the latest data from the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR). The increase was driven mainly by higher prices for health services, restaurants and hotels, and alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and narcotics. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s inflation decreased three-fold in 2024 - Central Bank Governor Health costs recorded the sharpest jump, surging 70.7 per cent year-on-year and 69.6 per cent month-on-month, followed by meat prices, which rose 30.7 per cent year-on-year. Restaurants and hotels saw a 20.1 per cent annual increase and a 2.1 per cent monthly rise, while alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and narcotics increased 12.2 per cent year-on-year and 3.6 per cent month-on-month. Overall, food and non-alcoholic beverages rose 6.4 per cent year-on-year, driven by a 30.7 per cent increase in meat, an 8.9 per cent rise in bread and cereals, and an 8.3 per cent increase in milk, cheese, and eggs. ALSO READ: Consumer prices rose 6.3% in February Retailers and wholesalers of meat—fish, chicken, and beef—reported sharply rising production costs due to fuel hikes, animal feed shortages, and reduced supply. Vegetable prices fell 6.7 per cent year-on-year. Transport and education costs also rose, up 7 per cent and 4 per cent, respectively. ALSO READ: Consumer prices rose 7% in June Imported goods rose 9.3 per cent year-on-year and 1.4 per cent month-on-month, while the core index, excluding fresh products and energy, was up 7.7 per cent annually and 1.5 per cent monthly. Fresh products increased 7.4 per cent year-on-year but fell 4.4 per cent month-on-month. Energy prices rose 3 per cent annually and 1.7 per cent monthly. The average annual inflation rate from July 2024 to July 2025 was 5.9 per cent. In rural areas, CPI increased 7 per cent year-on-year but dropped 1.1 per cent month-on-month. Overall, Rwanda’s CPI grew 7.2 per cent annually but declined 0.6 per cent on a monthly basis.
