Despite being Africa's largest oil producer, Nigeria was notably absent from the list of the ten African countries where diesel is most expensive in July 2026, according to data from GlobalPetrolPrices. The rankings, updated in July 2026, show that landlocked nations and countries heavily reliant on imported refined products dominate the list, while Nigeria's domestic refining capacity and fuel subsidies help keep its pump prices relatively lower.
Malawi Tops the African List with the Second Highest Diesel Price Globally
Malawi recorded the highest diesel price in Africa at $3.630 per litre, making it the second most expensive country in the world for diesel. The landlocked nation has faced persistent foreign exchange shortages and rising import costs, pushing fuel prices to record levels. Motorists in Malawi pay more than twice the global average diesel price.
The Central African Republic came second in Africa at $2.178 per litre, followed by Rwanda at $1.995, Zimbabwe at $1.870, and Mozambique at $1.819. Sierra Leone ($1.779), Seychelles ($1.739), Kenya ($1.714), South Africa ($1.670), and Uganda ($1.643) completed the top ten. All prices are in U.S. dollars per litre as of July 2026.
Landlocked Nations Dominate the Ranking
Six of the ten countries—Malawi, Central African Republic, Rwanda, Zimbabwe, Uganda, and if future rankings include Zambia—are landlocked. Without direct access to seaports, these nations incur higher transportation and logistics costs for imported fuel, which significantly raises retail pump prices.
Interestingly, Africa's major oil producers—Nigeria, Algeria, Libya, Angola, and Egypt—are absent from the list. Domestic refining capacity, subsidies, or lower taxes in these countries help keep diesel prices relatively lower than in fuel-importing nations.
East and Southern Africa Most Affected
The ranking is heavily concentrated in East and Southern Africa, suggesting that geography, transport corridors, and dependence on imported refined products strongly influence fuel prices. Diesel is a critical input for transport, agriculture, and industry, so high prices directly impact food prices, transport fares, and inflation across the continent.
According to GlobalPetrolPrices, diesel prices are influenced by exchange rate movements, tax adjustments, government policy changes, and fluctuations in international crude oil prices. These factors can significantly alter country rankings from one month to the next.
