Nigeria now has the cheapest petrol in West Africa, with prices as low as N870 per litre in 2025, significantly lower than neighboring countries. Nations like Ghana, Sierra Leone, Mali, and Guinea pay up to N3,600 per litre, highlighting a major regional price disparity.
The Dangote Refinery has played a key role in stabilizing Nigeria’s fuel costs, with Chairman Aliko Dangote confirming that petrol prices in Nigeria are 55% cheaper than in other African countries. This follows Nigeria’s increased refining capacity after the removal of fuel subsidies in 2023.
In contrast, countries relying on fuel imports, such as Mali and Sierra Leone, face soaring prices due to inflation and foreign exchange challenges. Ghana remains above $2 per litre despite reforms, while Senegal and others explore refinery upgrades to improve affordability.
West African Petrol Prices (2025):
- Nigeria: N870
- Liberia: N2,123.51
- Togo: N2,624.77
- Benin Republic: N2,630.22
- Ivory Coast: N3,375.43
- Burkina Faso: N3,343.74
- Mali: N3,993.47
- Senegal: N3,660.68
- Ghana: N3,201.11
- Guinea: N3,502.21
Dangote emphasized the refinery’s impact during a visit by ECOWAS officials, noting that Nigerian prices have dropped from over N1,000 per litre to around N815–N820. Meanwhile, depot owners in Lagos have slightly reduced petrol prices, though retail costs remain stable.
Experts suggest that unless West Africa expands refining infrastructure or improves forex access, Nigeria will remain an outlier in affordable fuel pricing.
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Economy