As gasoline costs proceed to form family budgets and transport prices throughout Africa, motorists entered 2026 going through very totally different realities on the pump.
In some nations, petrol nonetheless prices just some cents per litre due to heavy authorities subsidies.
In others, drivers are paying effectively above the worldwide common as states shift the burden totally onto shoppers.
Primarily based on petrol costs recorded in January 2026, here’s a take a look at Africa’s most cost-effective gasoline markets, adopted by how South Africa, Zimbabwe and their neighbours evaluate.
Africa’s 10 most cost-effective gasoline markets (January 2026)
Libya stays Africa’s undisputed fuel-price outlier.
With petrol promoting at simply three US cents per litre, it additionally ranks among the many most cost-effective gasoline markets on the planet.
Different oil-producing nations, significantly in North and West Africa, proceed to dominate the decrease finish of the worth scale.
The place does South Africa stand?
South Africa doesn’t function amongst Africa’s most cost-effective gasoline markets.
Initially of 2026, petrol costs hovered round $1.06 per litre, inserting the nation outdoors the continental prime 20.
Whereas South African motorists pay lower than drivers in a handful of African states, gasoline stays far costlier than in oil-rich nations.
Southern Africa gasoline: How neighbours evaluate
Southern Africa stays one of the vital costly gasoline areas on the continent, largely as a result of most nations depend upon imports and supply restricted or no subsidies.
Zimbabwe ranks amongst Africa’s costlier gasoline markets, reflecting full price restoration, taxes, and near-total reliance on imports.
Even nations with port entry, comparable to Mozambique, proceed to battle with excessive costs.
Africa’s gasoline value divide stays stark.
International locations with oil reserves and robust subsidies dominate the most affordable rankings, whereas Southern African nations, pay a few of the highest costs on the pump.
