As May 2025 unfolds, fuel prices continue to climb across much of Africa, tightening economic conditions for households and businesses alike.

Despite a relatively stable global oil market, the impact of high local fuel prices remains severe on a continent where economies are especially sensitive to fluctuations in energy costs.

From the cost of transporting goods to the daily commute of millions, the ripple effect of fuel price hikes is visible across every sector.

In Nigeria, for instance, fuel is currently selling between ₦860 and ₦900 per liter, causing widespread strain.

This has significantly increased the cost of basic necessities such as food and public transportation.

For small businesses in logistics, farming, and retail, the margins are thinner than ever, with many forced to raise prices, making life more expensive for the average citizen.

Public transport, heavily dependent on gasoline-fueled vehicles like minibuses, taxis, and motorbikes, is feeling the heat.

The increased cost of getting to work is limiting mobility for many informal workers, especially in major cities, where long commutes are common.

This drop in mobility affects productivity and contributes to absenteeism, dragging down overall economic output.

Governments, too, are not immune.

Public spending on fuel for basic services is rising, leaving less room in national budgets for critical investments in infrastructure, education, and healthcare.

As fiscal resources stretch thinner, efforts to stabilize inflation and rebuild economies post-debt crisis or mismanagement face renewed setbacks.

According to updated data from GlobalPetrolPrices.com, the list of African countries with the highest gasoline prices has shifted slightly compared to April.

Global average fuel prices increased marginally from $1.25 to $1.26 per liter.

This month, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Burkina Faso, Malawi, and Cameroon all saw small price hikes, while Central African Republic and Zimbabwe recorded slight drops.

Morocco also made its way into the top ten, displacing Seychelles, while prices in Sierra Leone and Guinea remained unchanged.

Here are the top 10 African countries with the highest fuel prices in May 2025:

— Central African Republic is ranked 1st in Africa with a fuel price of $1.813 per liter and holds 23rd position globally
— Senegal is 2nd with a fuel price of $1.719 per liter and ranks 28th in the world
— Zimbabwe is 3rd in Africa with a price of $1.530 per liter, placing 46th globally
— Ivory Coast follows at 4th with a fuel price of $1.484 per liter and a global rank of 50th
— Burkina Faso comes 5th at $1.476 per liter, holding 51st place worldwide
— Malawi is ranked 6th in Africa with a price of $1.459 per liter and is 53rd globally
— Cameroon is 7th with fuel costing $1.451 per liter and ranks 54th in the global index
— Sierra Leone maintains the 8th spot at $1.387 per liter, standing at 58th globally
— Guinea is 9th in Africa with a fuel price of $1.386 per liter and ranks 59th worldwide
— Morocco enters the list at 10th with a fuel price of $1.378 per liter, taking 60th position globally

As these fuel prices persist or rise further, their effects will continue to shape daily life and economic outcomes across the continent, making affordability and energy access central issues for African policymakers.