10 Oil-Producing African Countries Where Petrol Is More Expensive Than Nigeria

Although Nigeria deregulated its downstream petroleum sector, pushing retail pump prices up to around N1,180–N1,270 per litre (approx. $0.93 USD per litre), its petrol remains considerably cheaper than in several fellow oil-producing nations across Africa.

Many oil producers struggle with limited domestic refining capacity, high distribution tariffs, or non-subsidized retail models, resulting in significantly higher costs at the pump.

Here are 10 oil-producing African countries where retail petrol costs more per litre than in Nigeria:

1. Central African Republic

Despite commercial oil discoveries and ongoing exploration in the Doseo basin, the landlocked Central African Republic lacks operational local refining capacity. Retail petrol prices average around $1.90 to $2.10 per litre (approx. N2,600–N2,800/litre), making it one of the most expensive fuel markets on the continent.

2. South Sudan

As one of Sub-Saharan Africa’s major crude producers, South Sudan extracts significant oil volume. However, severe infrastructure bottlenecks, conflict disruptions, and reliance on imported refined fuels keep retail pump prices elevated at approximately $1.45 to $1.65 per litre.

3. Cameroon

Cameroon produces crude oil in the Rio del Rey and Douala/Kribi-Campo basins. Following the shutdown and planned restructuring of its SONARA refinery, the country imports most of its refined petrol, pushing consumer rates to around $1.35 to $1.45 per litre (approx. N1,850/litre).

4. Ghana

Ghana is a notable West African oil producer operating fields like Jubilee and TEN. Under its fully deregulated downstream market structure, pump prices track global crude movements and local currency shifts directly, keeping petrol around $1.30 to $1.40 per litre (approx. N1,800/litre).

5. Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire)

Ivory Coast produces crude oil offshore and operates the SIR refinery in Abidjan. The government maintains a flexible pricing model without heavy consumer subsidies, fixing retail petrol prices at approximately $1.25 to $1.35 per litre.

6. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)

The DRC produces crude oil along its coastal basin near Muanda. High domestic logistics costs and vast inland distances drive retail pump prices to around $1.20 to $1.30 per litre in key metropolitan areas.

7. South Africa

South Africa produces synthetic crude and operates offshore oil-and-gas fields, alongside major refining capacity. Retail fuel prices are adjusted monthly based on international product costs and slate levies, placing petrol at roughly $1.15 to $1.25 per litre.

8. Senegal

With the commencement of commercial production at the Sangomar offshore oil field, Senegal is officially an active crude producer. However, energy tax structures keep domestic retail petrol prices around $1.12 to $1.20 per litre.

9. Gabon

Gabon is one of Central Africa’s key oil producers. Although the country maintains state price stabilization, limited refining output keeps pump prices slightly above Nigeria’s current rates at roughly $1.05 to $1.12 per litre.

10. Ethiopia

While primarily producing natural gas and developing oil fields in the Ogaden region, Ethiopia regulates domestic energy prices strictly. Recent tariff adjustments have moved retail petrol to roughly $1.00 to $1.08 per litre, placing it above Nigeria’s average pump rate.

Why Nigeria’s Petrol Cost Remains Lower

Even after market adjustments, Nigeria’s pump price remains lower than many fellow producers due to its large production volume, localized distribution networks, and increasing domestic refining contributions from local facilities like the Dangote Refinery.