How Do Diesel Prices Compare Across Africa? Latest Rankings Revealed
New data from GlobalPetrolPrices reveals the African countries with the highest diesel prices as of March 2025, with Zimbabwe maintaining its position among the top three most expensive markets on the continent.
Zimbabwe Among African Countries With Highest Diesel Prices
The Central African Republic (CAR) currently holds the dubious distinction of having the third most expensive diesel globally at $2.247 (R40.86) per litre. This price surge stems from the nation’s heavy reliance on fuel imports and persistent logistical bottlenecks.
Zimbabwe follows closely with diesel priced at $1.55 (R28.21) per litre. The country’s fuel market remains vulnerable to currency fluctuations, high import duties, and inflationary pressures. These elevated costs are significantly impacting key sectors including manufacturing, transportation, and agriculture where fuel constitutes a major operational expense.
South Africa’s Diesel Price Position
Despite having one of the continent’s most developed fuel distribution networks, South Africa ranks 14th in Africa with diesel priced at $1.257 (R22.87) per litre. The country benefits from local refining capacity and a more stable currency, but still faces pricing pressures from global crude oil trends and domestic taxation policies.
African Diesel Price Trends
According to the latest GlobalPetrolPrices update (March 17, 2025), the worldwide average diesel price stands at $1.20 (R21.82) per litre. Recent months have seen price increases in CAR, Seychelles, Cameroon, and Burundi, while decreases were recorded in Malawi, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Guinea, and Uganda.
Top 15 African Countries With Highest Diesel Prices (March 2025)
| Rank | Country | Price (USD/L) | Price (ZAR/L) | Global Rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Central African Republic | $2.247 | R40.86 | 3rd |
| 2 | Malawi | $1.576 | R28.67 | 39th |
| 3 | Zimbabwe | $1.550 | R28.21 | 42nd |
| 4 | Seychelles | $1.472 | R26.75 | 46th |
| 5 | Sierra Leone | $1.392 | R25.29 | 48th |
| 6 | Guinea | $1.386 | R25.18 | 49th |
| 7 | Cameroon | $1.378 | R25.04 | 51st |
| 8 | Uganda | $1.362 | R24.76 | 53rd |
| 9 | Mozambique | $1.358 | R24.69 | 54th |
| 10 | Burundi | $1.339 | R24.36 | 57th |
| 11 | Mauritius | $1.313 | R23.89 | 61st |
| 12 | Kenya | $1.281 | R23.30 | 64th |
| 13 | Senegal | $1.259 | R22.91 | 65th |
| 14 | South Africa | $1.257 | R22.87 | 67th |
| 15 | Mali | $1.251 | R22.76 | 68th |
Share Your Thoughts on African Diesel Prices
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