Top 10 African countries where fuel costs the least in May 2026

As fuel costs squeeze households across the continent, a handful of African nations are shielding their citizens from the worst of the burden.

For millions of Africans, the price of fuel shapes everything, from the cost of a bus ride to school to what a trader pays to transport goods to market. In May 2026, global fuel prices remain a concern for governments and ordinary people alike. Yet ten African countries stand apart, offering some of the lowest pump prices anywhere on earth.

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Here are the African countries with the lowest cost of fuel in May 2026, according to data from GlobalPetrolPrices.

1. Libya — $0.024 (Global Rank: 1st)
Libya holds the title of the cheapest fuel in the entire world. At just over two cents per litre, fuel in Libya is nearly free by global standards. The country’s vast oil reserves and heavy government subsidies make this possible.

2. Angola — $0.327 (Global Rank: 4th)
Angola secures fourth place globally. As one of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest oil producers, the government keeps prices low through direct subsidies at the pump.

3. Algeria — $0.355 (Global Rank: 6th)
Algeria, a major natural gas and oil exporter, ranks sixth in the world. Years of state-controlled pricing have kept fuel within reach for most Algerians.

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4. Egypt — $0.454 (Global Rank: 8th)
Egypt’s position at eighth globally reflects ongoing government intervention in the fuel market, even as the country navigates wider economic pressures.

5. Sudan — $0.700 (Global Rank: 15th)
Despite political and economic turmoil, Sudan’s fuel prices remain among the lowest on the continent, ranking 15th worldwide.

6. Tunisia — $0.879 (Global Rank: 19th)
Tunisia ranks 19th globally. Fuel subsidies remain a political and social “lifeline” for many Tunisian families.

7. Niger — $0.897 (Global Rank: 20th)
Niger, now an oil-producing nation following recent upstream developments, ranks 20th globally.

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8. Nigeria — $0.935 (Global Rank: 22nd)
Nigeria’s ranking reflects the partial removal of its long-standing fuel subsidy, a policy shift that sent prices higher but still leaves the country among Africa’s more affordable markets.

9. Gabon — $1.065 (Global Rank: 33rd)
Gabon, a mid-sized oil producer in Central Africa, ranks 33rd globally with prices just above one dollar per litre.

10. Ethiopia — $1.067 (Global Rank: 34th)
Ethiopia closes the list at 34th globally — a country without significant oil production yet still managing to keep fuel prices below the continental average.