The overall price level in this northern city evolved by 8.9% year-over-year. This marks the seventh consecutive month that Maroua has topped the rankings in Cameroon.In fact, it was in June 2024 that the regional capital of the Far North surpassed the city of Ngaoundéré (which had held the top spot for nearly 3 years) with an annual inflation rate of 7.7%. A month later, this rate rose to 7.9% before falling to 6.2% in August. Starting in September, Maroua resumed its upward trend with an inflation rate of 6.4%, followed by 6.5% in October, 7.2% in November, and ending the year at 7.9%.The INS justifies this trend mainly due to climate-related uncertainties: "Areas dominated by agriculture are particularly vulnerable to climate-related uncertainties, poor harvests, and increased costs of agricultural inputs, sometimes leading to shortages and higher costs for consumers. Insufficient production leads to a scarcity of food products, increasing pressure on local prices," reads its recent note on the evolution of 2024 and perspectives for 2025. Additionally, market accessibility and transportation costs play a role. "Cities like Yaoundé and Douala, as major economic hubs, benefit from better connectivity to national and international trade networks, facilitating the supply of goods and services. In contrast, Maroua faces supply challenges due to inadequate transportation infrastructure and more complex logistics, making it more vulnerable to inflation through rising raw material, manufactured goods, and transportation costs," adds the INS. Overall, Maroua, Bamenda, and Bafoussam form the top three cities with the highest inflation rates. With inflation rates of 8.9%, 5.9%, and 5.7%, respectively, in January. Maintaining a 5% dynamic, Ebolowa ranks 4th with an inflation rate of 5.5%, closely followed by Douala with 5.2%. Buea takes 6th place with an inflation rate of 4.9%, followed by the capital city Yaoundé with 4.8%. The three least inflationary cities in January are Ngaoundéré with 4.7%, Garoua with 4.1%, and Bertoua with 3.4%

Christelle koambi