Top 10 African Countries with the Cheapest Petrol Prices (May 2026).

As global energy markets experience intense volatility—with Brent crude holding above $100 per barrel due to geopolitical tensions—the cost of filling up a tank has become a major economic indicator across Africa.

While some nations are seeing record-high prices (Malawi currently tops the list at over $3.80 per litre), a handful of African countries are defying the global trend. Thanks to massive government subsidies, local refining capabilities, or domestic oil production, these nations offer the cheapest petrol prices on the continent.

Only 10 of 300 Ghanaians repatriated were in South Africa legally, officials say

Here are the top 10 African countries where you will find the lowest pump prices in May 2026, according to data from GlobalPetrolPrices.

1. Libya — $0.024 per litre (Global Rank: #1)

Libya doesn't just have the cheapest fuel in Africa; it has the cheapest in the entire world. At just over two cents ($0.024) per litre, petrol is essentially free compared to global standards. This is due to Libya’s vast oil reserves and heavy government subsidies designed to distribute the nation's oil wealth to citizens, despite ongoing political instability.

2. Angola — $0.327 per litre (Global Rank: #4)

As one of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest oil producers, Angola maintains incredibly low prices through direct subsidies at the pump. Ranked 4th globally, Angola proves that domestic crude production remains the single biggest factor for low costs.

Top 10 Strongest African Currencies vs. The US Dollar (May 2026)

3. Algeria — $0.355 per litre (Global Rank: #6)

A major OPEC member and natural gas exporter, Algeria has kept fuel prices stable for years through state-controlled pricing. In May 2026, prices actually declined slightly compared to April, reinforcing its position as a haven for cheap energy.

4. Egypt — $0.454 per litre (Global Rank: #8)

Egypt remains a fascinating case study. The government has been implementing IMF-mandated reforms to remove subsidies, which have pushed prices up slightly from previous years. However, compared to the rest of the world, Egypt still ranks 8th globally for affordability. The government still intervenes heavily to protect citizens from the full weight of the global oil shock.

5. Sudan — $0.700 per litre (Global Rank: #15)

Despite severe political and economic turmoil, Sudan’s fuel prices remain surprisingly low. Historically, the country lost significant oil reserves when South Sudan seceded, yet it maintains partial price controls. However, ongoing conflict makes the supply chain volatile, even if the listed price remains low.

6. Tunisia — $0.879 per litre (Global Rank: #19)

Fuel subsidies in Tunisia are often described as a social "lifeline." Although the country feels fiscal pressure to reform these subsidies, the government has largely kept prices stable to protect household purchasing power during economic headwinds.

7. Niger — $0.897 per litre (Global Rank: #20)

Niger is a relatively new player in the oil game. Following recent upstream developments and the opening of new refining capacities, the landlocked nation has secured a spot among the cheapest markets. While official prices are low, there have been reports of shortages in some regions due to regional instability.

Congo (Brazzaville) Announces Visa-Free Entry for All African Nationals Starting 2027

8. Nigeria — $0.935 per litre (Global Rank: #22)

Africa’s largest oil producer is a paradox. Following the complete removal of the fuel subsidy in 2023 and the devaluation of the Naira, Nigerian petrol prices have more than tripled from previous lows. However, the country still makes the "cheapest" list because the Dangote Refinery is now stabilizing local supply, keeping prices far lower than in European or South American markets.

9. Gabon — $1.065 per litre (Global Rank: #33)

Gabon, a mid-sized oil producer, rounds out the top 10. While technically over the one-dollar mark, it still sits significantly below the global average of roughly $1.49 per litre. The government spent an estimated $180 million on fuel subsidies in 2024 to keep these prices feasible.

10. Ethiopia — $1.067 per litre (Global Rank: #34)

Perhaps the most surprising entry on the list, Ethiopia is not a significant oil producer. Yet, through heavy government subsidies, it keeps petrol prices extremely low. This is a strategic move to protect the agrarian economy, as high transport costs would immediately spike food prices. However, this places a massive strain on the national budget.

Why Are Prices So Different Across Africa?

The vast gap in pricing comes down to two main factors: Subsidies and Production.

Oil-rich nations like Libya and Angola can afford to keep prices low because they control the crude. However, countries like Ethiopia and Tunisia spend billions in foreign reserves to import fuel and sell it at a loss to keep their populations happy and their economies moving.

Meanwhile, the global context remains tense. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has driven oil prices up by roughly 60% since early 2026. For countries on this list, the question isn't if they can keep prices low, but for how long.

Comparison Snapshot (May 2026)

Rank Country Price (USD/Litre) Global Rank

1 Libya $0.024 #1

2 Angola $0.327 #4

3 Algeria $0.355 #6

4 Egypt $0.454 #8

5 Sudan $0.700 #15

6 Tunisia $0.879 #19

7 Niger $0.897 #20

8 Nigeria $0.935 #22

9 Gabon $1.065 #33

10 Ethiopia $1.067 #34

- Global Average ~$1.49 -

Data sourced from GlobalPetrolPrices via Business Day NG and The South African (May 2026).