Fuel prices remain one of the biggest challenge across Africa, directly affecting transport, food prices and the overall cost of living.
However, some countries continue to offer significantly cheaper petrol than others, largely due to subsidies and domestic oil production.
According to data from GlobalPetrolPrices, several African nations rank among the cheapest fuel markets globally as of May 2026.
Oil-rich nations dominate cheapest fuel list
Countries with strong oil reserves and government subsidies continue to lead the rankings.
North African and oil-producing states, in particular, dominate the list due to their ability to control domestic fuel prices.
Here are 10 African countries with the cheapest fuel in May 2026:
| Country | Price (USD per litre) | Price (ZAR per litre) |
|---|---|---|
| Libya | $0.024 | R0.44 |
| Angola | $0.327 | R6.05 |
| Algeria | $0.356 | R6.59 |
| Egypt | $0.458 | R8.47 |
| Sudan | $0.700 | R12.95 |
| Tunisia | $0.876 | R16.21 |
| Niger | $0.891 | R16.48 |
| Nigeria | $0.903 | R16.70 |
| Ethiopia | $0.906 | R16.76 |
| Gabon | $1.062 | R19.65 |
Why fuel is cheaper in some African countries
The wide variation in prices across Africa comes down to a few key factors.
Countries like Libya and Angola benefit from large crude oil reserves and often subsidise fuel to keep prices low for citizens.
In contrast, nations that rely heavily on fuel imports or apply higher taxes tend to record significantly higher pump prices.
Subsidies, refining capacity and exchange rates all play a major role in determining how much motorists pay.
Zimbabwe among most expensive markets
While some countries enjoy cheap fuel, others face steep prices.
Zimbabwe, for example, remains among the most expensive markets on the continent, with prices exceeding $2 per litre in recent data.
This stark contrast highlights the uneven energy landscape across Africa, where geography, policy and economic conditions shape fuel affordability.
Global context
Globally, countries like Libya, Iran and Venezuela continue to offer some of the cheapest fuel prices, often far below the global average due to heavy subsidies and state control of energy markets.
As fuel prices fluctuate worldwide, African countries with strong oil sectors are likely to maintain their position among the cheapest, while import-dependent economies may continue to feel the pressure.
