Diesel remains a critical fuel for Africa’s transport, agriculture, and industrial sectors, and price fluctuations directly affect economic stability. In August 2025, ten African countries recorded the lowest diesel prices on the continent, reflecting both heavy subsidies and policy choices.
1. Libya: $0.028 (₦43.40) per litre
Libya continues to top the chart with diesel prices at just 2.8 cents or ₦43.40 per litre. The North African nation sustains these ultra-low prices through generous state subsidies, underpinned by vast crude reserves. However, such pricing remains vulnerable to political instability and smuggling concerns.
2. Algeria: $0.223 (₦345.65) per litre
Algeria follows closely, selling diesel at 22 cents or ₦345.65. As a major oil and gas producer, the country leverages domestic refining and subsidies to maintain low pump prices, cushioning both households and industries.
3. Egypt: $0.320 (₦496.00) per litre
Egypt ranks third with diesel priced at 32 cents or ₦496.00. While the government has gradually reduced subsidies in recent years, the state still controls pricing to support transport and logistics.
4. Angola: $0.436 (₦675.80) per litre
Angola, sub-Saharan Africa’s second largest crude producer, offers diesel at 43 cents or ₦675.80. Abundant crude production offsets refining constraints, allowing the government to keep diesel relatively affordable compared with global averages.
5. Nigeria: $0.641 (₦993.55) per litre
Nigeria stands fifth at 64 cents or ₦993.55 per litre. Despite subsidy removals on petrol in 2023, diesel remains deregulated, and private refiners like Dangote Refinery are expected to influence pricing as domestic supply grows.
6. Sudan: $0.656 (₦1,016.80) per litre
Sudan’s diesel costs 65 cents or ₦1,016.80, reflecting ongoing state intervention despite an unstable economy. Fuel shortages persist, but government controls prevent runaway pump prices.
7. Tunisia: $0.765 (₦1,185.75) per litre
Tunisia charges 76 cents or ₦1,185.75 per litre. While subsidies remain, fiscal pressures are pushing the state towards gradual energy reforms that could lift prices further.
8. Ethiopia: $0.825 (₦1,278.75) per litre
Ethiopia’s diesel price of 82 cents or ₦1,278.75 highlights its reliance on imports. Currency weakness and high logistics costs keep pump prices elevated, though still among Africa’s cheapest.
9. Liberia: $0.972 (₦1,506.60) per litre
At 97 cents or ₦1,506.60 per litre, Liberia ranks ninth. With no significant refining capacity, it relies on imports, making pricing sensitive to global market swings and shipping costs.
10. Gabon: $1.024 (₦1,587.20) per litre
Gabon closes the list with diesel at $1.02 or ₦1,587.20. Despite being an oil producer, its refining limitations and fiscal challenges drive higher prices relative to other producers.
Regional Context
North Africa dominates the ranking thanks to vast reserves, domestic refining, and subsidies. Sub-Saharan African economies such as Nigeria, Angola, and Sudan also feature prominently, highlighting how local crude reserves can buffer international market shocks.
Globally, diesel prices remain far above these levels, giving these African nations a relative advantage in transport and manufacturing. Still, experts warn that subsidy-driven pricing may prove unsustainable as governments balance fiscal stability against social needs.