Rwanda’s inflation rises to 9.2% in March 2026 By

The Inspirer.

Rwanda’s consumer prices increased by 9.2% in March 2026 compared to the same period in 2025, according to the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR).

The rise was largely driven by higher prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages, which increased by 4.1% year-on-year.

Other significant increases were recorded in alcoholic beverages and tobacco (17.8%), housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels (14.6%), health services (7.1%), transport (7.8%), and restaurants and accommodation services (19.4%).

On a monthly basis, prices rose by 1.3% in March 2026 compared to February 2026. This increase was mainly attributed to rising costs of food and non-alcoholic beverages (1.9%), housing and utilities (2.2%), and restaurants and accommodation services (1.9%).

Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, stood at 9.4% on an annual basis.

NISR data further shows that prices in rural areas increased by 6.7% compared to March 2025, while inflation in February 2026 had stood at 7%.

The increase in March was also influenced by higher prices of food and non-alcoholic beverages (4.9%), alcoholic drinks and tobacco (12%), housing and utilities (7.3%), and restaurants and accommodation services (16.5%).

Combined urban and rural inflation rose by 1.7% on a monthly basis, driven mainly by food prices (2.4%) and housing-related costs (2.3%).