Rising diesel prices continue to weigh heavily on Africa’s economies, driving up the cost of transportation, food production, and industrial operations.
As one of the continent’s most critical fuels, diesel powers delivery vehicles, buses, farm machinery, and industrial equipment.
However, Africa’s dependence on refined fuel imports leaves both businesses and households vulnerable to inflationary shocks when local currencies weaken or global oil prices climb.
This growing strain has become increasingly evident across the continent, as seen in Egypt’s recent fuel price adjustment.
According to AP News, in mid-October, the Egyptian government raised the price of diesel, from 15.50 pounds ($0.33) to 17.50 pounds ($0.37) per litre, an essential fuel for public transportation and logistics.
Petrol prices also rose, with 92-octane gasoline now costing 19.25 pounds ($0.40) per litre and 95-octane at 21 pounds ($0.44), according to Business Insider Africa.
Driven by global oil price increases and the depreciation of the Egyptian pound, the move has deepened inflationary pressures in a country already battling a high cost of living.
Diesel’s importance makes its impact particularly severe: higher fuel prices in urban areas push up freight and public transportation costs, while farmers and small businesses in rural regions that rely on diesel-powered machinery face shrinking profit margins.
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The trend is clear across Africa, as diesel prices surge, so does the cost of daily living and doing business.
Without major investments in refining capacity, renewable energy, and transport infrastructure, African economies will remain exposed to fluctuations in global oil prices, with diesel at the heart of the challenge.
According to data from Global PetrolPrices, the following are the 10 African countries with the highest diesel prices in November 2025, measured in U.S. dollars per litre:
— Central African Republic — $2.277 per litre — 4th globally
— Malawi — $2.015 per litre — 10th globally
— Zimbabwe — $1.570 per litre — 42nd globally
— Seychelles — $1.485 per litre — 46th globally
— Cameroon — $1.450 per litre — 47th globally
— Sierra Leone — $1.392 per litre — 50th globally
— Guinea — $1.381 per litre — 54th globally
— Uganda — $1.346 per litre — 57th globally
— Burundi — $1.331 per litre — 58th globally
— Senegal — $1.328 per litre — 59th globally
Compared to last month, when the global average price of diesel was $1.22 per litre, the same as this month, diesel prices in the Central African Republic, Malawi, Cameroon, Guinea, Uganda, Burundi, and Senegal experienced slight declines.
In contrast, Zimbabwe and Seychelles recorded modest increases, while Sierra Leone’s diesel price remained unchanged.
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Image Credit: ETEnergyworld.com
