The increase was driven by a wide range of sectors, reflecting rising living costs across the country. Prices for food and non-alcoholic beverages increased by 3.6 percent over the year, although they fell 0.6 percent compared to November.

Alcoholic beverages, tobacco, and narcotics rose 16.7 percent annually, despite a small monthly decline of 0.5 percent. Housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels climbed 8.4 percent year-on-year and 0.3 percent month-on-month, while healthcare costs surged 70.8 percent annually, remaining stable over the month.

Transport expenses also contributed significantly to inflation, rising 9.4 percent over the year and 0.6 percent compared to November. Similarly, prices in restaurants and hotels went up 17.4 percent annually, with a marginal 0.1 percent monthly increase.

Analyzing products by origin, local products increased 7.3 percent annually but fell slightly by 0.2 percent month-on-month, while imported products rose 10.1 percent annually and 0.4 percent monthly.

Among specific categories, fresh products increased 3.6 percent annually but declined 1.2 percent on a monthly basis. Energy prices rose 14 percent year-on-year and 0.8 percent month-on-month. Excluding fresh products and energy, the general index went up 8.9 percent annually and 0.3 percent monthly.

NISR officials attributed the inflationary pressures to both domestic and global factors, including rising energy prices, transport challenges, and supply chain disruptions affecting essential goods.

The report highlights the widespread impact of rising costs on Rwandan households, particularly in areas such as healthcare, transport, housing, and energy, which continue to influence the overall cost of living.