Fuel prices across Africa are soaring once again, and for millions of motorists, commuting is becoming a serious financial burden. New data from GlobalPetrolPrices reveals the top 10 African countries where fuel is hitting pockets the hardest this June.
At the top of the list is the Central African Republic, where a litre of petrol now costs $1.83, placing the country 23rd globally. Despite being resource-rich, the CAR continues to struggle with fuel access. “Limited refining capacity, political instability, and costly fuel imports contribute to the high pump rates,” the report states.
In Senegal, prices have climbed to $1.725 per litre, making it the second most expensive country in Africa for fuel. Analysts point to subsidy reductions and exchange rate volatility as key drivers. “As the country works to modernize its energy infrastructure, consumers continue to bear the brunt of high transportation and importation costs,” the report notes.
Zimbabwe follows closely at $1.540 per litre. Years of economic instability and dependency on imported fuel have kept prices consistently high. “Despite being a transit hub in Southern Africa, limited forex and dependency on imports drive the high cost,” experts say.
Here’s the full top 10 breakdown:
- Central African Republic – $1.830
- Senegal – $1.725
- Zimbabwe – $1.540
- Ivory Coast – $1.490
- Burkina Faso – $1.481
- Cameroon – $1.464
- Malawi – $1.460
- Morocco – $1.442
- Uganda – $1.402
- Ghana – $1.399
Countries like Malawi and Burkina Faso are facing logistical challenges and security issues that make fuel distribution more expensive. In Morocco, the high dependency on imports makes global price shocks harder to absorb. Meanwhile, Uganda and Ghana continue to feel the pinch from tax policies and currency pressure.
Ugandan consumers were hoping for relief, but the country’s still-developing petroleum infrastructure has delayed any benefits. “Infrastructure delays and tax policies have kept prices high despite projected future relief,” the report explains.
In Ghana, a liberalized fuel market means prices rise and fall with global oil trends. However, the cedi’s continued struggle against the dollar has meant mostly rises. “With the cedi under pressure, fuel prices remain high, contributing to inflationary pressures in the economy,” analysts warn.
As global prices rise and subsidies shrink, Africa’s most affected nations are bracing for even tougher commutes ahead.
