National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) has announced that the prices of consumer goods has risen by 3 per cent in May 2018 up from 1.7 per cent in April. In May 2018, food and non-alcoholic beverages, housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels and Transport rose by 1.5 percent, 5.3 percent, and 8.1 per cent respectively. The data also shows that the locally produced goods costs increased by 2.3 per cent year on year basis and by 1.2 per cent on a monthly basis. Prices of the imported products increased by 5.3 per cent on annual basis and increased by 0.4 per cent on a monthly basis. The prices of the Energy increased by 15.3 per cent on annual change and increased by 4.0 percent on a monthly basis. The prices of the fresh products increased by 3.7 per cent on annual change and increased by 3.7 per cent on a monthly basis. According to Rwanda’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), in the urban areas the price increased by 3.0 per cent on annual basis and increased by 1.1 per cent on a monthly basis. The annual average rate between May 2018 and May 2017 was 2.4 per cent. While in the rural areas, it increased by 0.9 per cent on an annual basis and increased by 0.8 per cent on a monthly basis. During the data collection exercise, approximately 1622 products in twelve urban centres of Rwanda were in focus including food and non-alcoholic beverages. Often considered goods include bread and cereals, meat, milk cheese and eggs, vegetables, non-alcoholic beverages, alcoholic beverages tobacco and narcotics, and clothing and footwear. Among other products include housing water, electricity, gas and other fuels, furnishings household equipment and routine household maintenance, health, transport, communication, Restaurants and hotels, Miscellaneous goods and services. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
