Top 10 African countries with the lowest diesel prices in March 2026

Amid an era of global energy uncertainty, African countries stand to benefit significantly if diesel prices remain low.

• The global average diesel price rose from $1.38/litre last month to $1.44/litre, while Algeria and Gabon recorded slight price decreases.
• Egypt, Ethiopia, and Tunisia saw increases in diesel prices over the same period.
• Libya, Angola, and Sudan maintained stable diesel prices, showing no month-on-month change.
• The Democratic Republic of Congo and Niger entered the rankings, displacing Liberia and Nigeria, with Nigeria dropping out despite usually boasting one of Africa's lowest diesel prices.

Diesel is the backbone of transportation, industry, and agriculture, and lowering its cost affects economies, enterprises, and people alike.

With global energy markets under strain from conflicts like the ongoing Iran war, low diesel prices provide a unique opportunity for economic relief and stability.

Lower diesel costs mean lower operational expenses for governments and companies.

Diesel-powered vehicles and machines play an important role in freight, logistics, and manufacturing processes.

When fuel is less expensive, transportation costs fall, supply chains become more efficient, and manufacturing prices for commodities decrease.

This not only increases business profit margins but also allows sectors to remain competitive on a regional and global scale.

Countries with large agricultural and mining sectors, such as Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, benefit immediately since diesel fuels tractors, irrigation pumps, and heavy machinery.

Lower diesel prices enable farmers to carry produce to markets more reasonably, while mining enterprises can maintain output without passing on high costs to consumers.

Cheaper diesel lowers the cost of public transportation, making it more affordable for workers.

Diesel-powered cars deliver goods, including food and vital commodities, at a lower cost, allowing families to stretch their budgets even further.

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This is especially important for low- and middle-income households, because transportation and food make up a significant portion of daily expenses.

When energy prices fall, so do the costs of manufacturing and transportation, which helps to stabilize pricing for goods and services.

In contrast to periods of high fuel prices, low diesel costs can stimulate economic growth, boost job creation, and alleviate social tensions that are frequently created by rising energy costs.

In today's global geopolitical atmosphere, with crude oil prices skyrocketing owing to conflicts such as the Iran war, countries that can keep diesel costs low gain a strategic edge.

They can insulate their economies from external shocks, keep supply chains steady, and protect vulnerable populations from unexpected cost increases.

With that said, here are the African countries with the cheapest diesel prices in March, as per data from GlobalPetrolPrices.

Compared to last month’s figures, when the global average price of diesel was 1.38 U.S. dollars per liter, as opposed to 1.44 U.S. dollars per liter currently, diesel prices for Algeria and Gabon decreased slightly.

Diesel prices for Egypt. Ethiopia, Tunisia,

Meanwhile, diesel prices for Libya, Angola, and Sudan remained the same. Nigeria, which typically boasts one of the six lowest diesel prices each month, is no longer on the list.

DRC and Niger are new entries on the list for the month, ousting Liberia and Nigeria.