10 African Countries Strengthen Fuel Affordability with Lowest Prices in April 2026
Rising fuel costs across Africa have continued to exert pressure on households and businesses. However, several countries manage to maintain relatively low pump prices, largely due to government subsidies and domestic oil production. While many economies are grappling with sharp increases linked to global crude oil volatility and supply disruptions, others have successfully shielded consumers through state support and local refining capabilities.
Countries like Libya, Angola, and Algeria stand out for having the cheapest fuel prices in Africa, thanks to heavy subsidies and robust domestic production. Data indicates that North African and oil-producing nations dominate the list of countries with the lowest fuel prices as of April 2026.
Libya — N31.51 per litre
Libya offers petrol at approximately N31.51 per litre, making it the cheapest in Africa and among the lowest globally. The country possesses Africa’s largest proven oil reserves, and the government has historically maintained fuel subsidies as a social contract with its citizens, even amid years of political instability and civil conflict. This results in a pump price that is more symbolic than market-driven.
Angola — N447.99 per litre
In Angola, petrol is priced at N447.99 per litre. The country benefits from domestic crude production and managed pricing, which help keep fuel costs relatively low. As sub-Saharan Africa’s second-largest oil producer, Angola has traditionally used petroleum revenues to subsidize retail fuel prices, although it is gradually reforming its subsidy structure under guidance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Algeria — N484.98 per litre
Algeria offers petrol at approximately $0.357 per litre, supported by government subsidies and a robust oil and gas sector. As a major member of OPEC and one of Africa’s top natural gas exporters, Algeria has long embedded fuel subsidies within its social welfare model. However, fiscal pressures from fluctuations in global oil prices continue to challenge the long-term sustainability of these subsidies.
Egypt — N601.43 per litre
Egypt’s petrol price stands at about N601.43 per litre. Recent reductions in subsidies have led to moderate increases in retail prices compared to highly subsidized markets. The country is currently navigating an IMF-supported economic reform program that includes gradual cuts to fuel subsidies. Despite these reforms, the government still protects consumers from full exposure to international market prices, keeping Egypt among the continent’s more affordable markets.
Sudan — N959 per litre
Sudan’s petrol price is N959 per litre. The country lost a significant portion of its oil production capacity when South Sudan seceded in 2011, taking approximately 75% of the combined reserves. Despite these challenges, Sudan has maintained partial price controls on fuel. However, ongoing economic crises and civil unrest that began in 2023 have complicated consistent subsidy management.
Tunisia — N1,175.46 per litre
In Tunisia, petrol is priced at N1,175.46 per litre. The country is a net oil importer with limited domestic production, yet the state-owned energy company STEG and government pricing policies have kept retail fuel prices below open-market rates. Tunisia faces significant fiscal stress, making subsidy reform a recurring topic in negotiations with the IMF, although consumer prices remain partially shielded for the time being.
Niger — N1,202.86 per litre
Niger’s petrol price is N1,202.86 per litre. The country is developing its oil sector, including the Agadem oilfield and a pipeline to Benin. Despite being a relatively new oil producer, Niger has maintained a managed pricing structure for domestic fuel, keeping prices below the West African regional average. Recent political transitions have not significantly disrupted this policy.
Nigeria — N1,215.19 per litre
Nigeria’s petrol price is N1,215.19 per litre, marking the largest increase in Africa, with a rise of 39.5% between February 23 and March 16, 2026. This surge followed the removal of a longstanding fuel subsidy in 2023 and the devaluation of the naira. Despite being Africa’s largest oil producer, Nigeria paradoxically imports most of its refined fuel, a structural issue that the Dangote Refinery is beginning to address.
Ethiopia — N1,235.74 per litre
Ethiopia’s petrol price is N1,235.74 per litre. The country is not an oil producer, making its position in this ranking somewhat unexpected. The government heavily subsidizes fuel as part of a broader strategy to manage the cost of living, particularly because high transport costs could impact food prices in its largely agrarian economy. These subsidies place a significant burden on the national budget, which is already strained from post-conflict reconstruction efforts following the Tigray war.
Gabon — N1,435.76 per litre
Gabon’s fuel price is N1,435.76 per litre, significantly below the global average of 837.56 CFA francs. The government’s subsidy program cost approximately 110 billion CFA francs (around $180 million) in 2024, playing a crucial role in shielding consumers from global price shocks. In November 2025, authorities postponed plans to remove these subsidies until at least 2026, citing concerns over inflation and social stability.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-05-01 13:02:00 • By the Editorial Desk
