KIGALI, May 6 (Xinhua) -- The steady rise in fuel prices in Rwanda over recent months has begun to ripple across all sectors of the economy, affecting transport costs, food prices, and the daily lives of ordinary citizens.
In early March, gasoline (petrol) was set not to exceed 1,989 Rwandan francs (about 1.36 U.S. dollars) per liter, while diesel was capped at 1,948 Rwandan francs per liter, according to the Rwanda Utilities Regulatory Authority (RURA).
The upward trend, however, did not stop there.
On April 3, RURA issued another statement regarding further increases. Effective April 4, gasoline rose to a maximum of 2,303 Rwandan francs per liter, while diesel reached 2,205 Rwandan francs per liter.
The rise in fuel prices led to changes in public transport fares. Base fares were revised to 59.28 Rwandan francs per passenger per km within the capital city, Kigali, and 41.58 Rwandan francs per passenger per km for intercity travel.
Just weeks later, on April 16, RURA announced yet another adjustment. Gasoline surged further to a maximum of 2,938 Rwandan francs per liter, while diesel remained unchanged at 2,205 Rwandan francs per liter.
The authority explained that these changes reflected prevailing international market trends, supply dynamics, and government interventions aimed at mitigating the global price surge. The decision to maintain diesel prices was intended to support public transport and broader economic activities.
For many Rwandans, the impact of rising fuel prices is already deeply felt.
"When we follow the news, we hear that conflicts in foreign countries cause fuel prices to rise," said Israel Izereyo, a motorcycle taxi rider from Kanombe Sector in the Kicukiro District of Kigali.
"When we pick up a passenger, we tell them that a journey we usually charge 1,500 Rwandan francs now costs 2,000 Rwandan francs, asking them to add 500 francs. However, they often refuse, saying that their employers have not increased their salaries," he said.
Beyond transport, the rising fuel prices have also driven up the cost of living. "All goods at the market have become expensive, including food," Izereyo added. "There seems to be no hope in sight because, instead of decreasing, prices continue to increase sharply."
Jean Hakizimana, another motorcycle taxi rider from Gahanga Sector, Kicukiro District, echoed similar concerns. He noted that profitability in the motorcycle taxi business has declined significantly.
"In the past, people could buy one liter of fuel for a motorcycle and still make a profit. Now, when we buy a liter of fuel, there is little or nothing to gain because of the high cost," said Hakizimana.
The impact extends beyond transport operators to the food and hospitality sector. Jean Niyitegeka, owner of the Bistro restaurant in Kacyiru Sector of Gasabo District, Kigali City, told Xinhua that rising fuel prices have significantly driven up food costs, directly affecting restaurant operations.
"As a result, the restaurant has been forced to increase the prices of its meals," he said, noting that customers have become more price-sensitive and are dining out less frequently or choosing cheaper options. This has led to a decline in daily sales and overall revenue.
Niyitegeka also highlighted the rising cost of transporting supplies, which has made sourcing fresh ingredients more expensive and sometimes unreliable. Operational expenses, including cooking gas, electricity, and staff transportation, have also increased, further squeezing profit margins.
As Rwanda navigates these challenges, authorities continue to monitor global and regional petroleum markets while encouraging citizens to adapt to changing economic realities. Yet for many, the effects of rising fuel prices are already a daily struggle, reshaping how they work, travel, and live. ■