The monthly publication, which tracks changes in the cost of goods and services across the country, highlighted that food and non-alcoholic beverages were the largest contributors to inflation, with urban prices in this category rising by 7.9% year-on-year and 2.7% month-on-month. This category carries a significant weight of 27% in the CPI.
Among the steepest increases was the price of meat, which surged 33.8% in urban areas and 35.5% in rural areas compared to April last year. Vegetables, a key staple in Rwandan households, also saw significant hikesâ€"8.5% annually in urban areas and 6.6% in rural regions.
The fresh products index, which includes seasonal items such as fruits and vegetables, recorded a striking 14.6% annual rise. In contrast, energy prices saw a slight 0.7% decline on an annual basis, helping to moderate overall cost pressures.
A rise in restaurant and hotel charges also contributed to the surge in inflation, with prices increasing by 14.7%, according to NISR. While substantial, restaurants and hotels have a smaller weight of 9% in the CPI calculation compared to food.
Prices of housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels (with a weight of 21%) went up by 3.3%, while transport prices (with a weight of 12%) grew by 3.8%.
The report also highlighted a divergence between urban and rural inflation trends, with urban CPI rising by 6.3% and rural inflation surging to 6.9%.
On a monthly basis, Rwanda's CPI increased by 2.3%, a noticeable jump from March, signalling continuing upward pressure on consumer prices. Meanwhile, core inflation, which excludes volatile items like fresh food and energy, rose by 4.4% year-on-year, suggesting broader underlying price increases.
The data is crucial in helping policymakers monitor inflation as part of broader economic stabilisation efforts.
Wycliffe Nyamasege
Source : https://en.igihe.com/business/article/surge-in-food-prices-drives-rwanda-s-april-inflation-to-6-6
