Ongoing geopolitical tensions stemming from the U.S.–Israel conflict with Iran are sending shockwaves through global energy markets, triggering a surge in petrol prices across several African countries and placing fresh pressure on households and businesses already battling inflation and economic hardship.
Recent data from global energy trackers reveal wide disparities in fuel costs across the continent, with some nations paying significantly more per litre of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) than others.
Malawi has emerged as one of Africa’s most expensive fuel markets, with motorists now paying approximately ₦4,074 per litre following a government-mandated price adjustment aimed at preventing shortages and stabilising foreign exchange reserves.
The Central African Republic is not far behind, with petrol estimated at around ₦2,652 per litre, while Zimbabwe motorists pay roughly ₦2,437. Both countries have consistently ranked among the continent’s priciest fuel markets, driven by heavy import dependence and limited domestic refining capacity.
Nigeria, by comparison, currently sells petrol at an average of ₦1,143 per litre a figure that reflects the removal of fuel subsidies and the deregulation of the downstream petroleum sector.
At the other end of the spectrum, several oil-producing African nations continue to offer heavily subsidised fuel. Libya sells petrol at approximately $0.024 per litre, among the cheapest in the world.
Angola records prices around $0.327 per litre, Algeria approximately $0.37, Egypt around $0.45 despite recent upward adjustments, and Sudan roughly $0.70. When converted to naira, motorists in these countries pay well below ₦1,000 per litre substantially less than current Nigerian pump prices.
Energy analysts attribute the stark price disparities across Africa to a combination of government subsidy policies, local refining capacity, exchange rate pressures, and varying levels of dependence on imported petroleum products.
With global oil market volatility showing no signs of easing, experts warn that pump prices in import-dependent African economies could climb further in the months ahead.
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