Top 10 African countries with the costliest diesel at the start of 2025

Diesel prices remain a concern across Africa, with several countries experiencing high fuel costs due to import dependency, currency fluctuations, and global oil market trends.

Many nations rely on imported petroleum products, making them vulnerable to global price shifts, while the depreciation of local currencies against the US dollar increases costs. Poor road networks, limited refining capacity, fuel taxes, subsidies, and regulatory policies add to transportation and distribution expenses, with changes in crude oil prices directly impacting import-dependent countries.

Rising diesel costs affect businesses, transportation, and households. Higher fuel prices increase operational expenses for businesses, raise public transport fares, and put pressure on household budgets. Industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture—reliant on diesel—face higher production costs, which are passed on to consumers.

Read also: 10 African countries with the costliest fuel prices at the start of 2025

Several African countries last year recorded some of the highest fuel prices, particularly those with low oil reserves and high import reliance. As 2025 begins, the trend continues, with diesel costs in many countries exceeding the global average of $1.17 per litre. The impact is greater in countries with low purchasing power parity, increasing economic pressure.

According to GlobalPetrolPrices, here are the top 10 African countries with the costliest diesel at the start of 2025 as of the 8th of February, 2025.

1. Central African Republic – $2.125 per litre

The Central African Republic has the highest diesel price in Africa at $2.125 per litre. The country relies heavily on fuel imports due to limited refining capacity. High transportation costs, logistical challenges, and currency depreciation contribute to the high diesel prices.

2. Malawi – $1.577 per litre

Malawi ranks second with a diesel price of $1.577 per litre. Being a landlocked country, it depends on neighbouring nations for fuel imports. Additional taxes, transportation costs, and currency fluctuations contribute to the high price of diesel.

Read also: Nigeria among top 10 African countries with cheap fuel prices in 2025

3. Zimbabwe – $1.530 per litre

Zimbabwe faces fuel market volatility, with diesel priced at $1.530 per litre. Currency instability, high import duties, and supply chain inefficiencies drive up costs. Government policies on fuel taxation also impact pricing.

4. Mozambique – $1.428 per litre

Mozambique’s diesel price stands at $1.428 per litre. The country relies on fuel imports, and its prices are influenced by global market trends. Limited refining infrastructure and distribution costs contribute to high fuel prices.

5. Seychelles – $1.425 per litre

Seychelles, an island nation, has a diesel price of $1.425 per litre. High importation costs and transportation expenses significantly impact fuel prices. The country’s geographical location makes fuel supply logistics complex.

Read also: Top 10 African countries with cheapest fuel at the outset of 2024

6. Sierra Leone – $1.392 per litre

Sierra Leone experiences a diesel price of $1.392 per litre. Currency depreciation, high import costs, and global fuel price fluctuations are key factors contributing to the high cost of diesel.

7. Guinea – $1.389 per litre

Guinea’s diesel price stands at $1.389 per litre. The country faces challenges related to supply chain disruptions, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, and dependency on imported fuel.

8. Burundi – $1.343 per litre

Burundi ranks eighth with a diesel price of $1.343 per litre. The country’s fuel pricing is affected by import costs, transportation expenses, and government regulations on petroleum products.

Read also: 10 African countries with the most expensive diesel at the end of 2024

9. Cameroon – $1.303 per litre

Cameroon has a diesel price of $1.303 per litre. The country, despite having some refining capacity, experiences high fuel costs due to global market conditions and regulatory taxation.

10. Kenya – $1.285 per litre

Kenya rounds off the top ten with a diesel price of $1.285 per litre. Import dependency, taxation, and fluctuations in global oil prices impact fuel pricing in the country. The cost of diesel affects transportation, agriculture, and industrial operations.