10 African Nations Paying the Most for Diesel in October 2025 in Dollars

Diesel is one of the most important fuels in Africa. It keeps buses moving, powers generators, helps farmers process food, and supports industries that keep the economy running. 

Even with its huge importance, diesel prices across the continent change often. A small shift in the global oil market can affect food prices, transport fares, and the cost of doing business.

In October 2025, the global average price for diesel slightly dropped from $1.23 to $1.22 per liter. That may look like good news, yet many African countries are still paying high prices for the fuel. 

This month, Seychelles and Guinea saw a small drop, while nations such as Central African Republic (CAR), Malawi, Cameroon, Senegal, and Burundi experienced a rise. Zimbabwe and Sierra Leone recorded no change, while Uganda replaced Ghana on the list of the highest-paying countries.

There are several reasons for these price differences. Most African countries import refined fuel from abroad. When global oil prices increase, diesel becomes more expensive at home. 

Even when oil prices fall, delays in supply and government regulation can slow down the impact. Currency weakness also plays a major role. 

Since oil is priced in US dollars, a weaker local currency means diesel becomes costlier even if global prices stay stable.

Some governments try to manage these challenges through fuel subsidies. While this helps citizens temporarily, it can put serious pressure on government budgets. If subsidies are reduced or removed suddenly, prices jump.

Transporting refined fuel also adds extra cost. Many countries lack enough refineries or face poor road networks, and moving diesel from ports to inland cities is never cheap. All these factors combine to shape what people pay at the pump.

Here are the African countries currently paying the most for diesel in October 2025, based on data from Global Petrolprices,

Seychelles, Zimbabwe, Central African Republic (CAR), Malawi, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Senegal, Burundi, Uganda, and the newest country on the list, replacing Ghana. Its growing fuel demand and currency volatility make diesel more expensive this month.

Across Africa, diesel prices bring both economic hope and stress. When costs fall, transport becomes cheaper and businesses breathe easier. 

When prices rise, people feel it quickly. Stable pricing policies and better refining capacity can help protect citizens, support companies, and create a stronger economy.

For now, many African countries are still paying high prices for a fuel they cannot live without.