Fuel prices remain a concern across Africa, affecting households, businesses, and economies. Rising energy costs are driving up expenses in transportation, production, and household budgets. Discussions on energy policies, import dependency, and alternative energy solutions are increasing as countries grapple with high costs.
Globally, the average price of petrol is $1.23 per litre, but significant variations exist due to geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and policies. The Russia-Ukraine conflict and OPEC+ production cuts have contributed to volatility in crude oil prices. Import-reliant nations face the hardest challenges, and even oil-producing countries often struggle to provide affordable fuel.
Read also: Nigeria among top 10 African countries with cheap fuel prices in 2025
In Africa, high fuel prices contribute to inflation, pushing up the costs of goods and services. Families in affected countries allocate a large share of their income to fuel, reducing spending on other essentials.
According to GlobalPetrolPrices.com, here are the 10 African countries with the costliest fuel prices at the start of 2025
1. Central African Republic – $1.718
The Central African Republic tops the list with fuel prices reaching $1.718 per litre. The country’s reliance on imported fuel contributes significantly to its high costs.
2. Senegal – $1.546
Senegal ranks second with a fuel price of $1.546 per litre. Fuel prices in the country are influenced by transportation costs and limited refining capacity.
3. Zimbabwe – $1.480
Zimbabwe remains one of the countries with high fuel prices, recording $1.480 per litre. The country’s energy sector faces challenges such as currency fluctuations and supply constraints.
Read also: Top 10 African countries with cheapest fuel at the outset of 2024
4. Malawi – $1.459
Fuel prices in Malawi stand at $1.459 per litre. This has implications for the cost of goods and services, as transportation is a significant factor in price determination.
5. Seychelles – $1.401
In Seychelles, the price of fuel is $1.401 per litre. As an island nation, the cost of importing fuel significantly affects its pricing.
6. Sierra Leone – $1.387
Sierra Leone records a fuel price of $1.387 per litre. The country continues to manage the economic impact of fluctuating global oil prices.
Read also: 10 African countries with the most expensive diesel at the end of 2024
7. Guinea – $1.386
Guinea’s fuel price is close to that of Sierra Leone, at $1.386 per litre. The country’s energy sector relies heavily on imports, influencing its fuel costs.
8. Burundi – $1.368
Burundi’s fuel price is $1.368 per litre. The landlocked nation faces logistical challenges that contribute to its fuel pricing.
Read also: 10 African countries with the most expensive diesel at the end of 2024
9. Ivory Coast – $1.366
Ivory Coast, one of West Africa’s economic hubs, records a fuel price of $1.366 per litre. The country’s growing energy demand impacts its fuel market.
10. Kenya – $1.351
Kenya rounds out the list with a fuel price of $1.351 per litre. The country’s dependency on imported fuel and changing global oil prices are key factors influencing the cost.
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