Rwanda’s urban consumer prices rose more quickly in September, taking annual inflation to 17.2 per cent. Food, transport and energy recorded substantial increases, while rural inflation was higher than the urban measure used for monetary policy. The statistics institute’s release distinguishes monthly changes, annual changes and nationwide coverage, showing how price pressures varied across goods and locations.
Rwanda’s National Institute of Statistics released its September consumer-price figures on 10 October. Annual inflation in the urban index used for monetary policy rose to 17.2 per cent from 15.7 per cent in August. Urban prices increased 2.7 per cent over the month, after August’s 1.8 per cent rise.[1], [2]
The twelve-month average annual rate was 11.5 per cent, a different comparison from September’s year-on-year change.[1]
Urban food and non-alcoholic beverage prices rose 20.9 per cent annually and 5.3 per cent monthly. Vegetables increased 35.1 per cent from a year earlier and 10.9 per cent during the month. Meat was 33.6 per cent dearer annually but fell 1.8 per cent monthly. Energy prices increased 45 per cent annually. Excluding fresh products and energy, urban inflation was 11.4 per cent annually and 1.3 per cent monthly.[1]
Rural prices increased 22 per cent annually and 6.5 per cent monthly. The nationwide index rose 20 per cent annually and 5 per cent monthly. These series cover different geographical populations from the urban policy measure. The urban index includes 1,622 products across twelve centres. Its weights come from a 2013–2014 household survey covering 14,419 households, and its base period is February 2014.[1]
