Prices of goods and services in Rwanda rose by 13% in April 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR), highlighting continued inflationary pressure across essential sectors of the economy.
The latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, released on May 10, 2026, shows a further acceleration from 9.2% recorded in March 2026.
Key drivers of inflation
NISR attributes the increase mainly to higher prices in several key categories, including:
Food and non-alcoholic beverages rose by 5.8%, while alcoholic beverages and tobacco increased by 17.1%. Housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels rose by 21.3%, reflecting higher utility and energy-related costs.
Transport recorded a 23.7% increase, while restaurants and accommodation services rose by 18.5%. Health services saw a sharp increase of 70%, one of the most significant category changes during the period.
Monthly price pressure increases
Between March and April 2026, prices rose by 4.7%, driven mainly by food (4.3%), housing and utilities (5.9%), and transport (15.1%).
Non-food and non-energy prices increased by 12.5% year-on-year, indicating that inflationary pressure is not limited to basic food items but is spreading across broader consumer categories.
Rural inflation also rises
In rural areas, inflation stood at 10.6% in April 2026 compared to April 2025, up from 6.7% in March.
Rural price increases were driven by transport (36.3%), housing and utilities (23.9%), food and non-alcoholic beverages (5.8%), and restaurants and accommodation services (15.2%).
Month-on-month rural inflation rose by 6.8%, reflecting continued pressure from transport and energy-related costs.
National trend
Overall inflation, combining both urban and rural areas, stood at 11.5% in April 2026, up from 7.7% in March 2026.
NISR notes that the increase was mainly driven by food prices, housing and utilities, transport, and hospitality services, which continue to exert pressure on household spending.
On a monthly basis, overall prices increased by 5.9%, underscoring sustained upward movement in consumer prices across the country.
