Fuel prices across Africa vary significantly depending on several factors, including geography, infrastructure, and political stability. While some African countries benefit from low fuel prices due to domestic production and subsidies, others face skyrocketing prices due to logistical challenges, reliance on imports, and economic instability. In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 African countries with the highest fuel prices in 2025, provide the most recent fuel prices, and answer common questions such as which country in Africa has the highest fuel price and where can you find the cheapest fuel in Africa.
Top 10 African Countries with Highest Fuel Prices
1. Central African Republic (CAR)
- Current Fuel Price (2025): $2.25 per liter
The Central African Republic has the highest fuel prices in Africa, driven by its landlocked geography, political instability, and lack of infrastructure. The country faces significant challenges in fuel distribution, which, combined with global supply chain disruptions, has led to skyrocketing prices. The government struggles with securing sufficient fuel supplies, leading to high import costs that are passed on to consumers.
2. Seychelles
- Current Fuel Price (2025): $2.15 per liter
As an island nation heavily dependent on fuel imports, Seychelles has some of the highest fuel prices in Africa. The country relies on shipments of oil and gas, which involves costly logistics and increases the price of fuel. Additionally, the small population and tourism-dependent economy only add to the challenges of managing energy costs. With limited local production, prices remain high for both residents and visitors alike.
3. Zimbabwe
- Current Fuel Price (2025): $1.90 per liter
In Zimbabwe, the fuel prices are driven up by persistent economic challenges, including inflation, currency instability, and supply shortages. Despite being an oil-importing nation, the prices are also influenced by the frequent fluctuations in the exchange rate. The government’s ongoing efforts to stabilize the currency have yet to result in lower fuel costs, and the country’s fuel prices continue to rank among the highest in Africa.
4. Malawi
- Current Fuel Price (2025): $1.80 per liter
The landlocked nation of Malawi faces significant fuel costs, largely because of its reliance on imports from neighboring countries. The lack of local refineries means that nearly all fuel must be transported over long distances, which raises prices. Additionally, the country faces currency devaluation issues, contributing further to the high price of gasoline.
5. South Sudan
- Current Fuel Price (2025): $1.75 per liter
While South Sudan is an oil-producing nation, ongoing conflict, limited refining capacity, and logistical issues have made fuel prices surprisingly high. The country’s fuel market is heavily reliant on imports, especially refined products, and the civil unrest continues to hinder efforts to improve the distribution infrastructure. Despite having significant oil reserves, South Sudan’s residents face some of the highest fuel prices in the region.
6. Chad
- Current Fuel Price (2025): $1.65 per liter
Chad ranks high on the list due to its remote location and underdeveloped infrastructure. Fuel distribution is costly and inefficient, leading to high fuel prices for consumers. Chad, a landlocked nation, depends heavily on imports from neighboring countries, which makes the fuel supply chain more vulnerable to disruptions and price hikes. These factors continue to push fuel prices higher in Chad.
7. Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
- Current Fuel Price (2025): $1.60 per liter
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is a vast country with many remote regions, making the transportation of fuel costly and difficult. DRC’s limited refining capacity means it must import most of its fuel, further driving up prices. Combined with the country’s poor infrastructure, these factors contribute to fuel prices remaining high. While the DRC is rich in natural resources, the cost of fuel remains a significant challenge for its people.
8. Niger
- Current Fuel Price (2025): $1.55 per liter
Niger, like many landlocked countries, faces high fuel prices due to its reliance on imports and difficult transportation routes. The absence of significant local refining capacity forces Niger to import fuel from neighboring countries, often at inflated prices. With an economy that faces many challenges, including limited industrial development, the cost of fuel remains one of the highest in the region.
9. Burkina Faso
- Current Fuel Price (2025): $1.50 per liter
Burkina Faso experiences relatively high fuel prices, largely due to its dependence on imported fuel and limited refining infrastructure. The landlocked country faces logistical challenges in receiving fuel from neighboring nations, which contributes to the rising costs. Additionally, Burkina Faso’s economic issues and reliance on international aid further complicate efforts to reduce fuel costs.
10. Senegal
- Current Fuel Price (2025): $1.45 per liter
Senegal rounds out the top 10 list with high fuel prices driven by taxes, import costs, and global oil price fluctuations. Despite being one of West Africa’s more economically stable countries, fuel prices in Senegal remain high due to the nation’s reliance on imported fuel. Government policies aimed at controlling fuel costs are not always sufficient to protect consumers from price hikes.
Which African Country Has the Highest Fuel Price?
The Central African Republic currently holds the title for which country in Africa has the highest fuel price, with a price of approximately $2.25 per liter. This price is driven by the country’s lack of infrastructure, political instability, and reliance on imported fuel.
Cheapest Fuel in Africa
If you’re wondering which African country has the cheapest fuel, countries like Libya and Algeria lead the way, offering some of the lowest fuel prices on the continent. Both countries benefit from abundant local oil reserves and government subsidies, which help to keep prices low for consumers. In Libya, fuel prices hover around $0.12 per liter, while Algeria offers similarly low rates due to its domestic oil production and subsidies.
Conclusion on Top 10 African Countries with Highest Fuel Prices
Fuel prices in Africa can really vary. Some countries pay way more than others because of things like location, infrastructure, politics, and the economy. If you look at the countries with the highest prices, you see how much landlocked or politically unstable countries struggle. High gas prices usually come from import dependence and logistical issues. But it’s not all bad: countries like Libya and Algeria get to enjoy low fuel prices because of their access to cheap fuel. But most African countries aren’t so lucky. If you’re traveling or doing business in Africa, or even making policy, it’s a good idea to understand how the fuel market works so you don’t make decisions that hurt you.
This article was updated 1 month ago
