Rwanda’s annual inflation rate rose to 6.9% in May 2025, up from 6.3% in April, according to new data released Tuesday by the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).
The increase was largely driven by higher prices in food, beverages, transportation, hospitality, and housing, the report said.
Prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages jumped 9.2% compared to the same month last year, and increased by 0.5% from April to May.
Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels rose 3.3% year-on-year, and by 0.7% over the previous month. Transport costs were up 3.7% annually and rose 0.4% month-to-month.
Restaurant and hotel services saw the biggest annual increase, surging 16.6% over the year and rising 1.7% in May compared to April.
The data also showed that locally produced goods increased by 6.9% annually, with a slight 0.1% rise month-to-month. Imported goods mirrored the same 6.9% year-on-year increase, with a 2% monthly jump in May.
Agricultural products saw the sharpest annual rise at 12.3%, though prices dropped 1.4% in May compared to April. Meanwhile, energy prices fell 0.8% over the past year but rose 1.9% month-to-month.
The monthly report is closely watched by policymakers as they assess inflationary trends affecting household budgets across the country.
