High fuel prices continue to weigh on African economies, with several countries recording fresh increases in petrol prices in July as rising global oil prices and import costs keep pressure on consumers and businesses.
According to data from Global Petrol Prices, the global average price of petrol rose slightly from US$1.48 per liter in June to US$1.49 per liter in July. While the increase appears marginal, it has added to existing cost pressures across many African countries, where road transport remains the backbone of trade, public transport, and supply chains.
The latest figures show that Malawi remains Africa’s most expensive fuel market, with petrol selling at US$3.235 per liter, making it the second-highest globally. Rwanda retained its position as the continent’s second-most-expensive market at US$2.003 per liter, followed by Zimbabwe at US$1.930 per liter.
The Central African Republic, Seychelles, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Cape Verde, Kenya, and Senegal complete the list of the continent’s ten most expensive petrol markets.
July also brought notable shifts across the rankings. Petrol prices increased modestly in Malawi, Rwanda, the Central African Republic, Seychelles, and Kenya, while Zimbabwe, Uganda, Sierra Leone, and Cape Verde recorded slight declines compared with the previous month. Senegal entered the top 10 most expensive fuel markets in Africa, replacing South Africa.
Malawi remained Africa’s most expensive fuel market in July, with petrol selling at US$3.235 per liter, the second-highest price globally, according to GlobalPetrolPrices.
Rwanda ranked second on the continent, with motorists paying US$2.003 per liter, followed by Zimbabwe at US$1.930 per liter. The Central African Republic and Seychelles occupied the fourth and fifth positions, with petrol prices of US$1.830 and US$1.701 per liter, respectively.
Uganda, Sierra Leone, and Cape Verde followed closely, where motorists paid between US$1.669 and US$1.682 per liter. Kenya ranked ninth on the continent, with petrol retailing at US$1.644 per liter. In comparison, Senegal rounded out the top 10 at US$1.606 per liter, replacing South Africa on the list.
For much of Africa, higher fuel prices have consequences that extend well beyond filling stations. Because most goods are transported by road, increases in petrol and diesel costs are quickly reflected in food prices, public transport fares, and the cost of manufactured goods.
Businesses often pass higher transport and operating costs on to consumers, eroding household purchasing power and adding to inflationary pressures.
The impact is particularly pronounced in sectors that depend heavily on fuel, including agriculture, manufacturing, and logistics, as well as small businesses that rely on generators due to unreliable electricity supplies.
Rising fuel costs increase production expenses, forcing businesses to raise prices, cut output, or delay expansion.
Recent developments in Nigeria illustrate how sensitive African economies remain to fluctuations in fuel prices. Earlier this month, the Dangote Refinery increased petrol loading prices and considered selling fuel to marketers in US dollars, triggering concern among industry stakeholders over the potential knock-on effects on transport costs, inflation, and economic activity.
Global oil markets remain under pressure from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, with Brent crude trading above US$100 per barrel amid concerns about potential disruptions to major shipping routes.
Analysts warn that prolonged supply constraints could trigger another round of fuel price increases across African countries that rely heavily on imported petroleum products.
