Libya, Algeria and Egypt have the lowest diesel prices in Africa in October 2026, according to the latest figures from GlobalPetrolPrices.
Diesel remains essential to many African economies. It powers trucks, agricultural machinery, generators and industrial equipment.
Lower diesel prices can reduce transport costs and help businesses manage their expenses.
However, fuel prices vary significantly across the continent.
In October, the global average diesel price increased slightly from $1.66 to $1.67 per litre.
Despite this increase, several African countries recorded small price reductions.
Here are the 10 African countries with the lowest diesel prices in October 2026, based on figures published by GlobalPetrolPrices and reported by Business Insider Africa.
10 African countries with the lowest diesel prices
1. Libya – $0.023 per litre
Libya has the cheapest diesel in Africa, with a price of just $0.023 per litre.
The country ranks third globally for the lowest diesel prices.
Libya’s large oil reserves and fuel subsidies help keep domestic prices exceptionally low.
Diesel prices also declined slightly compared with September.
2. Algeria – $0.231 per litre
Algeria ranks second in Africa, with diesel costing $0.231 per litre.
It holds fourth place globally.
As a major oil and gas producer, Algeria maintains relatively low domestic fuel prices.
Diesel became slightly cheaper in October compared with the previous month.
3. Egypt – $0.376 per litre
Egypt takes third place in Africa.
Diesel costs approximately $0.376 per litre, placing the country seventh worldwide.
The fuel plays an important role in Egypt’s transport, agriculture and industrial sectors.
Prices fell slightly compared with September.
4. Angola – $0.458 per litre
Angola ranks fourth, with diesel selling for $0.458 per litre.
The country is eighth globally.
Angola is one of Africa’s major oil producers.
Unlike several other countries on the list, its diesel price remained unchanged from September.
5. Tunisia – $0.736 per litre
Tunisia has the fifth-lowest diesel price in Africa.
Motorists and businesses pay approximately $0.736 per litre.
The country ranks 15th globally.
Diesel prices recorded a slight decline during October.
6. Gabon – $0.984 per litre
Gabon ranks sixth in Africa, with diesel costing $0.984 per litre.
It holds 22nd place globally.
The Central African oil producer recorded a small price reduction compared with September.
Lower fuel costs can help businesses involved in transport, agriculture and logistics.
7. Niger – $1.058 per litre
Niger takes seventh place, with diesel priced at $1.058 per litre.
The country ranks 25th globally.
Diesel prices declined slightly during October.
Fuel costs remain important for Niger’s economy, particularly because many goods must travel long distances by road.
8. Madagascar – $1.065 per litre
Madagascar ranks eighth in Africa.
Diesel costs approximately $1.065 per litre, placing the country 26th worldwide.
The island nation recorded a small reduction in diesel prices compared with September.
Transport costs remain an important factor for businesses moving goods across the country.
9. Ethiopia – $1.120 per litre
Ethiopia has the ninth-lowest diesel price in Africa.
The price stands at $1.120 per litre, ranking 28th globally.
Ethiopia was the only country on this month’s list to record a diesel price increase compared with September.
Fuel costs are particularly important for the country’s transport and agricultural sectors.
10. DR Congo – $1.138 per litre
The Democratic Republic of the Congo completes the top 10.
Diesel costs approximately $1.138 per litre.
The country ranks 32nd globally.
DR Congo entered the October ranking after replacing Sudan, which appeared on September’s list.
Which African countries saw diesel prices fall?
Seven countries on the list recorded lower diesel prices in October.
These were Libya, Algeria, Egypt, Tunisia, Gabon, Niger and Madagascar.
Angola’s diesel price remained unchanged.
Ethiopia was the only country to experience an increase.
Meanwhile, DR Congo replaced Sudan in the top 10.
The changes occurred as the global average diesel price rose slightly to $1.67 per litre.
Why do lower diesel prices matter in Africa?
Diesel is a major operating expense for businesses across Africa.
Transport companies rely on it to move food, construction materials and consumer goods.
Farmers use diesel-powered machinery for planting, harvesting and irrigation.
Many businesses also depend on diesel generators when electricity supplies are unreliable.
Lower prices can therefore reduce operating costs and support economic activity.
In Nigeria, for example, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery recently reduced its diesel selling price by ₦80 to ₦1,700 per litre.
That represented a reduction of approximately 4.5%.
In Ghana, industry representatives also projected lower diesel prices during October.
Such reductions can provide relief for businesses and consumers.
However, cheaper diesel does not automatically mean lower food or transport prices.
Exchange rates, electricity costs and other expenses also influence what consumers pay.
Africa’s diesel price gap remains significant
The October rankings highlight major differences in diesel prices across Africa.
Libya’s diesel price of $0.023 per litre is far below the global average of $1.67.
Even DR Congo, which ranks tenth on the African list, has a diesel price below the global average.
These differences reflect varying domestic fuel pricing policies and market conditions.
For African economies, affordable and reliable fuel supplies remain important for trade, agriculture and industrial growth.
As global energy markets continue to change, diesel prices will remain a key factor shaping business costs and household spending across the continent.