In May 2025, diesel prices remain a critical economic concern across Africa. With the continent heavily reliant on diesel for transportation, agriculture, logistics, and small-scale energy generation, fluctuations in diesel prices directly impact inflation, food security, and household income.
Recent data from Business Insider Africa and GlobalPetrolPrices.com highlights a concerning trend: some African countries are experiencing diesel prices well above the global average of $1.17 per liter. The causes range from geopolitical volatility to weak domestic refining capacity, currency depreciation, and high import dependence.
Top 10 Diesel Prices in Africa – May 2025
Rank Country Diesel Price (USD/L) Global Rank
1 Central African Republic $2.117 5th
2 Malawi $1.577 34th
3 Zimbabwe $1.520 42nd
4 Cameroon $1.402 46th
5 Sierra Leone $1.392 47th
6 Seychelles $1.390 48th
7 Guinea $1.386 49th
8 Mozambique $1.358 50th
9 Burundi $1.337 53rd
10 Senegal $1.279 60th
What’s Driving These Prices?
1. Central African Republic (CAR) – $2.117/L
CAR tops the list with diesel prices nearly double the global average. This is largely due to:
- Lack of local refineries
- Insecurity and poor infrastructure
- High transport costs for fuel imports
2. Malawi and Zimbabwe – $1.577 and $1.520/L
Both countries have seen their currencies weaken against the dollar, making imports more expensive. Zimbabwe’s economic volatility continues to strain fuel markets, despite efforts to stabilize supply.
3. Cameroon and Guinea – $1.402 and $1.386/L
Despite oil production, these countries lack refining capacity, meaning they export crude oil but import refined diesel a costly paradox that inflates domestic prices.
4. Island Nations Like Seychelles – $1.390/L
Seychelles suffers from geographical disadvantages, relying on sea transport for fuel, which increases costs. Small market size also reduces economies of scale.
5. Burundi, Mozambique, Senegal – Over $1.30/L
These countries reflect regional transport challenges and a mix of local taxes and inefficiencies in supply chains.
Economic and Policy Implications
High diesel prices have ripple effects across the economy:
Increased transport costs, affecting food prices and inflation
Higher production costs, impacting competitiveness and trade
Reduced agricultural productivity, especially for mechanized farming
Energy poverty, as diesel generators are common in off-grid areas
For most of these countries, the issue is not global oil prices per se, but structural and institutional weaknesses in energy infrastructure and policy.
What Can Be Done?
To reduce dependency on expensive diesel imports, African nations need to:
Invest in domestic refining capacity
Encourage renewable energy alternatives
Reform taxation and fuel subsidy policies
Improve logistics and storage infrastructure
Final Thoughts
Diesel is more than just a fuel it’s a lifeline for African economies. These high prices are not just numbers; they reflect deeper vulnerabilities in energy systems, infrastructure, and governance. To break this cycle, countries must look beyond short-term fixes and pursue bold, long-term energy strategies that prioritize sustainability, affordability, and resilience.
As Africa positions itself for industrial growth and energy transformation, addressing diesel pricing disparities will be key to inclusive development.
By Donald Masimbi (MSc, PhD Candidate in Energy Economics)