Fuel costs significantly impact everyday life and economic activity—especially in countries relying heavily on imports. Here’s an insights-packed roundup of where petrol and diesel are most expensive in Africa as of early 2025.
Diesel Prices: Africa’s Most Expensive (March 2025)
According to Global Petrol Prices via Prime Business Africa and Cedi Rates:
- Central African Republic – $2.25 / L
- Malawi – $1.58 / L
- Zimbabwe – $1.55 / L
- Seychelles – $1.47 / L
- Sierra Leone – $1.39 / L
- Guinea – $1.39 / L
- Cameroon – $1.38 / L
- Uganda – $1.36 / L
- Mozambique – $1.36 / L
- Burundi – $1.34 / L equityaxis.net+2CEDI Rates+2Statista+2Businessday NG+3Prime Business Africa+3CEDI Rates+3
These high costs stem from factors like import dependency, poor refining infrastructure, high taxes, weak currencies, and logistical hurdles.
Petrol Prices: Who’s Paying the Most?
Based on Statista (April 2025):
- Central African Republic tops the list with petrol around $1.90/L
- Senegal follows closely at $1.71/L
- Other high-cost countries include Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, and Ghana Petrol Price in Nigeria+2Businessday NG+2Prime Business Africa+2
🇰🇪 Kenya’s Fuel Price Update
- Petrol: ~KSh 177.32 (≈ $1.14/L)
- Diesel: ~KSh 162.91 (≈ $1.05/L)
- Kerosene: ~KSh 146.93 (≈ $0.95/L) Energy in Africa+3HapaKenya+3The Star+3
In June 2025, EPRA raised petrol by KSh 2.69/L while diesel and kerosene dropped by KSh 1.95/L and KSh 2.06/L respectively, driven by global price changes and exchange rate fluctuations equityaxis.net+7Pulselive Kenya+7The Star+7.
Comparing Across Africa
Cheaper diesel nations like Libya, Algeria, Egypt, and Angola enjoy prices under R10–6 ZAR per litre due to local subsidies and domestic oil production.
Meanwhile, diesel in Kenya costs about $1.05/L, placing it mid-range—more affordable than Zimbabwe or Malawi, but considerably pricier than oil-rich nations.
Why These Differences?
- Import dependency: Landlocked or low-local-production nations like CAR, Malawi, Zimbabwe rely entirely on imported fuel—raising costs.
- Currency value: Weak currencies (e.g. Zimbabwe’s) drive import prices higher.
- Taxes and levies: High excise duties (Kenya’s VAT + fuel levies), inflate retail prices.
- Logistics and infrastructure: Poor roads and long supply chains add costs.
- Subsidies: Countries with fuel subsidies (e.g., Libya, Algeria, Egypt) maintain lower pump prices CEDI Rates+2Prime Business Africa+2Businessday NG+2SA Trucker.
Price Summary Table
| Country | Diesel Price (USD/L) | Petrol Price (USD/L) |
|---|---|---|
| Central African Republic | $2.25 | $1.90 |
| Malawi | $1.58 | – |
| Zimbabwe | $1.55 | ~ $1.60–1.60 |
| Seychelles | $1.47 | – |
| Sierra Leone | $1.39 | – |
| Guinea | $1.39 | – |
| Cameroon | $1.38 | – |
| Uganda | $1.36 | – |
| Mozambique | $1.36 | – |
| Burundi | $1.34 | – |
| Kenya | $1.05 | $1.14 |
What This Means for Consumers & Economy
- High diesel prices raise costs in agriculture, transport, and manufacturing—pushing up consumer prices.
- Petrol increases hit household budgets and commuting expenses.
- In contrast, countries with subsidy-backed fuel enjoy economic advantage, though at fiscal cost.
Key Takeaways
- Central African Republic endures Africa’s highest diesel and petrol prices.
- Kenya faces moderately high petrol/diesel costs—significantly more than oil-rich, subsidy-supported countries.
- Policy, economics, and geography strongly influence fuel price disparities across Africa.
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- Kenya EPRA fuel update July 2025
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- Petrol price by African country
- Fuel subsidy vs taxation Africa
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- Kenya vs Zimbabwe fuel cost 2025
