In a region where fuel prices often strain household budgets, Nigeria stands out in 2025 as one of the most affordable places to buy petrol in West Africa. According to data from GlobalPetrolPrices.com, Nigeria ranks sixth among African countries with the lowest fuel prices, offering petrol at approximately $0.769 per litre.
This positions Nigeria ahead of several neighboring West African nations. For instance, Ghana’s petrol price is around $1.033 per litre, and Liberia’s is approximately $0.829 per litre. Such disparities highlight Nigeria’s unique position in the region’s fuel economy.
A significant factor contributing to Nigeria’s competitive fuel pricing is the operationalization of the Dangote Refinery. Commissioned in May 2023, the refinery has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, making it the largest single-train refinery globally. By increasing domestic refining capacity, Nigeria has reduced its reliance on imported fuel, thereby stabilizing local prices.
However, challenges remain. The refinery announced a temporary halt on fuel sales in the local naira currency due to discrepancies between naira sales and dollar crude purchases. This move could potentially lead to increased petrol prices and a weakened naira, as traders seek US dollars.
Despite these hurdles, Nigeria’s position as a leader in affordable fuel pricing in West Africa is noteworthy. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of fuel subsidy reforms and currency fluctuations, its ability to maintain low fuel prices will be closely watched by both regional neighbors and global energy markets.
As fuel prices continue to rise globally, several African countries are keeping prices low at the pump, and Nigeria is proudly among the top 10. Check out the list of African countries with the cheapest petrol prices.
1. Libya – $0.030 per litre
Libya tops the list with the lowest petrol price on the continent — just $0.030 per litre (about ₦46). This rock-bottom cost is made possible by Libya’s massive oil reserves and government subsidies. Despite political instability, the country continues to use oil wealth to cushion fuel prices for its citizens.
2. Angola – $0.328 per litre
As one of Africa’s biggest oil producers, Angola sells petrol at $0.328 per litre (around ₦500). The country’s heavy dependence on oil exports allows the government to keep domestic fuel costs low.
3. Egypt – $0.336 per litre
Egypt is also among the cheapest with petrol at $0.336 per litre. Years of investment in the oil and gas sector, along with subsidies, have helped Egyptians enjoy low fuel prices despite economic challenges.
4. Algeria – $0.339 per litre
Petrol in Algeria costs around $0.339 per litre. The country benefits from rich energy resources and maintains heavy government subsidies to support its local economy and keep fuel affordable.
5. Sudan – $0.700 per litre
Despite ongoing economic and political instability, Sudan still manages to keep petrol prices at $0.700 per litre. The country’s limited domestic oil production helps offset some of the costs, although challenges persist.
6. Nigeria – $0.769 per litre
Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, offers petrol at roughly $0.769 per litre (about ₦890). While cheaper than in many West African countries, this price reflects Nigeria’s struggle with subsidy removal, exchange rate volatility, and the balance between local refining and fuel imports.
Dangote, Africa’s richest man, recently remarked that Nigeria should have the cheapest fuel in the world, thanks to the new 650,000 barrels-per-day Dangote Refinery. The refinery, now operational, has started local refining of petrol, potentially reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imports.
7. Tunisia – $0.794 per litre
Tunisia keeps fuel prices at $0.794 per litre, aided by government support. While oil production is limited, subsidies and regional partnerships help control prices.
8. Ethiopia – $0.805 per litre
Though not an oil-producing giant, Ethiopia maintains fuel at $0.805 per litre. The country’s fuel imports are managed under strict policies that aim to reduce the burden on ordinary citizens.
9. Liberia – $0.829 per litre
Liberia depends heavily on imports for fuel. Despite that, petrol costs around $0.829 per litre due to favorable trade deals and government price control strategies.
10. Gabon – $0.944 per litre
Rounding out the list is Gabon, another oil-rich country where petrol is priced at $0.944 per litre. Though still relatively cheap by global standards, prices here are higher than in countries with larger refining capacity or heavier subsidies.
