One of the most enduring economic issues facing African nations is high gasoline prices, which have far-reaching consequences that go well beyond the cost of transportation.
Due to the fact that many African economies rely largely on imported refined petroleum products, changes in international oil markets and currency rates frequently result in rapid increases in domestic prices, which put pressure on governments, businesses, and people.
When fuel gets more costly, logistical expenses rise dramatically, which are often passed on to customers.
High gasoline prices also reduce corporate competitiveness. Small and medium-sized businesses, which constitute the foundation of many African economies, are especially susceptible.
Rising fuel and petrol prices raise operational costs for manufacturers, traders, and service providers, causing many to cut margins, decrease workforce, or completely scale back operations.
This was the case for many African countries in the last 2 months, including countries on the continent considered to be economic powerhouses, including Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
These countries, as a result of the war in Iran, were forced to increase fuel prices and taxes to mitigate the effects of the war, thereby sending shockwaves through their respective economies.
Even in a major oil-producing country like Nigeria, global oil volatility and currency pressures have resulted in sharp increases in pump prices before recent refinery-driven relief initiatives helped to stabilize the market.
External shocks, such as geopolitical tensions or delays in Middle Eastern oil supply channels, can swiftly worsen these issues across the continent.
Fortunately, the US and Iran have reached a peace deal, implying that fuel prices across the globe, including Africa, are set to reduce.
With that said, here are the African countries with the highest cost of fuel in April 2026, per data from GlobalPetrolPrices.
Compared to last month’s list, when the global average cost of fuel was 1.51 U.S. dollars per liter, as opposed to 1.48 U.S. dollars per liter, this month, the fuel price for Malawi, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and the Central African Republic reduced marginally.
While prices for Seychelles, Cabo Verde, and South Africa increased. The fuel price for Sierra Leone remained the same.
Uganda and Kenya, this month, ousted Tanzania and Senegal from the top 10 list from last month.