FREETOWN, 29th October 2026 – Sierra Leone has been listed among the Top 10 African countries with the highest fuel prices for October 2026, a new report by Business Insider Africa has revealed.
The report, which cites data from http://GlobalPetrolPrices.com as of 19th October 2026, ranks petrol prices across the continent and shows Sierra Leone sitting at Number 3, making it one of the most expensive places to buy fuel in Africa.
Sierra Leone is now only behind Malawi and Zimbabwe. The country is ranked 36th most expensive in the world.
According to the data, a litre of petrol in Sierra Leone costs $2.033 in October 2026. That is the same as the NLe 40 per litre pump price announced by the Government of Sierra Leone and the Petroleum Regulatory Agency (PRA) on 8th September 2026, which remains in force.
GlobalPetrolPrices confirms the Sierra Leone price was updated on 26th October 2026 at SLL 40,000.00 per litre.
The Business Insider Africa analysis noted that while some countries saw slight reductions in October, Sierra Leone’s price did not change from September – meaning motorists continue to pay the same high cost at the pumps.
The ranking comes just weeks after Government increased fuel prices from NLe 35 to NLe 40 for petrol and NLe 40 to NLe 45 for diesel, blaming rising global crude prices linked to the Iran conflict. Government said at the time that the true market price should have been NLe 41.04 for petrol and NLe 46.76 for diesel, but it was subsidizing the difference and would not increase Waka Fine bus fares.
The current price marks a steep rise for consumers. Compared to NLe 27.30 per litre a year ago, petrol is up 46.5%, and up from NLe 35 just three months ago.
Sierra Leone imports all its refined petroleum products, leaving it exposed to global market shocks, freight costs, exchange rate pressures and taxes, the same factors that drive prices across the continent.
GlobalPetrolPrices estimates that filling a 40-litre tank in Sierra Leone costs 174.41% of the average monthly income, highlighting the burden on households and transport operators.
At $2.033, Sierra Leone is paying significantly more than many of its neighbours and peers. Liberia pays $1.269, Guinea $1.364, while larger economies like South Africa ($1.819) and Kenya ($1.735) are cheaper.
Full List: Top 10 African Countries With The Highest Fuel Prices – October 2026
According to GlobalPetrolPrices via Business Insider Africa:
1. Malawi – $3.226 per litre (2nd globally)
2. Zimbabwe – $2.050 per litre (34th globally)
3. Sierra Leone – $2.033 per litre (36th globally)
4. Cape Verde – $2.002 per litre (40th globally)
5. Rwanda – $1.991 per litre (42nd globally)
6. Central African Republic – $1.967 per litre (49th globally)
7. South Africa – $1.819 per litre (58th globally)
8. Seychelles – $1.774 per litre (61st globally)
9. Lesotho – $1.745 per litre (65th globally)
10. Kenya – $1.735 per litre (67th globally)
The report warns that expensive fuel continues to drive up the cost of commuting, transporting agricultural produce and delivering goods to consumers across the continent.
