Rwanda Inflation Slows in October, Driven by Food and Energy Prices

Consumer prices in urban areas increased 7.1% in October compared with the same month last year, down from 7.3% in September. The rise was largely fueled by a 1.6% increase in non-alcoholic beverages and food prices and a 16% jump in alcohol, tobacco, and related products. Housing-related costs, including water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, rose 7.5%, while healthcare costs surged 71.3%. Transportation costs increased 8.5%, and the cost of meals and accommodation rose 19.1%.

Excluding food and energy, prices in urban areas rose 9% over the past year, and 1.3% compared with September 2025. This increase was mainly driven by a 1.1% rise in non-food and non-energy items and a 4.1% increase in housing-related costs.

In rural areas, prices rose 3.8% year-on-year in October, down from 5.5% in September. Non-alcoholic beverages and food prices increased 0.8%, while alcohol, tobacco, and related products rose 14.6%. Healthcare costs in rural areas jumped 55%, and food and accommodation expenses increased 17%. Month-to-month, October rural prices increased 0.8%, mainly due to a 0.5% rise in food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Overall, combined urban and rural prices increased 5.1% in October 2025 compared with October 2024.

NISR officials noted that while inflation is still significant, the slight slowdown in October reflects easing pressures in certain sectors, including energy and food staples in the country.