Global fuel prices have continued to show significant disparities across regions despite ongoing disruptions to oil supply chains linked to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the conflict involving Iran.
Data compiled from GlobalPetrolPrices.com indicates that the average global petrol price stood at approximately $1.37 per litre as of March 16, 2026, reflecting sustained pressure from supply constraints and market volatility.
However, across Africa, retail fuel pricing remains highly fragmented, driven by differences in subsidy regimes, tax structures, currency pressures, and domestic refining capacity.
Top 10 African Countries With the Lowest Petrol Prices
Based on the latest dataset, the countries with the lowest petrol prices in Africa are:
Libya — $0.023 per litre
Angola — $0.327 per litre
Algeria — $0.356 per litre
Egypt — $0.459 per litre
Sudan — $0.700 per litre
Ethiopia — $0.842 per litre
Tunisia — $0.861 per litre
Niger — $0.875 per litre
Nigeria — $0.882 per litre
Liberia — $0.910 per litre
Wide Price Gap Highlights Structural Differences
The data highlights sharp contrasts in fuel pricing across the continent. Countries such as Libya continue to maintain some of the lowest petrol prices globally, supported by heavy fuel subsidies.
In contrast, countries like Liberia and Nigeria operate closer to market-aligned pricing levels, reflecting reduced subsidy support and higher exposure to international crude oil movements.
Most African economies now fall within the $0.8 to $1.4 per litre range, indicating a gradual shift toward market-sensitive pricing structures amid rising fiscal constraints.
By comparison, global petrol prices range from as low as $0.023 per litre in Libya to over $2 per litre in several European countries, underscoring deep structural disparities in fuel pricing systems worldwide.
Nigeria is positioned in the Lower Mid Tier
Nigeria records an average petrol price of $0.882 per litre, placing it in the lower mid-tier globally despite being Africa’s largest crude oil producer.
The country’s continued reliance on imported refined petroleum products remains a key factor influencing domestic pump prices, even amid global supply disruptions linked to the Middle East.
Global Market Pressure and Supply Disruptions
The average global price of $1.37 per litre reflects sustained pressure from supply chain disruptions and heightened geopolitical risks affecting crude oil flows.
Market volatility has intensified following instability in key producing regions, including the Middle East, tightening supply conditions, and widening price gaps between subsidised and market-driven economies.
Countries with strong subsidy frameworks or significant domestic refining capacity continue to maintain lower prices, while import-dependent economies remain more exposed to global price fluctuations.
Market Outlook
The latest data underscores persistent inequality in global fuel pricing structures, with African countries split between heavily subsidised markets and those increasingly aligned with international pricing trends.
Despite ongoing geopolitical disruptions, domestic policy choices remain the primary determinant of petrol prices across the continent.