The Middle East war continues to impact African economies that rely heavily on imported petroleum products.
Countries across the world are dealing with the aftermath, and Africa is no exception, including oil-producing nations. The hike in fuel has made food prices and transportation costly, which has made these African countries complain about the cost of living.
These are some African countries feeling the effects of the fuel hike. 
1. South Africa
South Africa announced one of the sharpest monthly fuel price increases in recent history, forcing consumers to bear the cost. South Africans have been urged to work from home, drive slower or carpool.
According to the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources, petrol prices rose by R3.06 (approximately $0.18) per litre, while diesel prices increased by between R7.37 and R7.51.
To ease the burden on consumers while maintaining economic stability, the Ministry of Finance announced a temporary reduction of R3 per litre in the general fuel levy for both petrol and diesel, effective from April 1 to May 5, according to spokesperson Lerato Ntsoko.
Meanwhile, the price of illuminating paraffin, a vital energy source for low-income households, rose sharply by R11.67 per litre.
2.Malawi
The Middle East conflict continues to push global petroleum prices upward, according to Malawi Energy Regulatory Authority Board Chairperson Lucas Kondowe.
In a news release, he explained that suppliers previously based prices on monthly averages, but due to the volatile market, they now demand and use fortnight averages within the current month.
The government increased petrol and diesel prices to 6,672 kwacha ($3.86) per litre, making them among the highest in Africa.
Energy regulators across the continent have also increased pump prices and passed rising import costs on to consumers.
READ ALSO: 10 African Countries With The Cheapest Prices in March 2026
3. Zimbabwe
The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority increased petrol and diesel prices by 39% and 34%, respectively, starting March 18, in response to disruptions in the global fuel supply chain caused by the Middle East conflict.
This move immediately pushed public transport fares up by 50–100%.
Fuel plays a key role in many industries, so higher fuel prices have increased production and transportation costs. Bread prices rose by 10% within the month.
According to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency, monthly ZWG, USD, and blended headline inflation rose by 0.4% from February to March.
This increase, after months of stability, reflects growing inflationary pressure driven by rising fuel prices.
4. Nigeria
Dangote Petroleum Refinery announced an increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit on March 21, raising it from 1,175 naira ($0.85) to 1,245 naira per litre.
The Middle East crisis pushed crude oil prices above $100 per barrel, driving this increase.
The rise in fuel prices has affected Nigerians by increasing transport and food costs.
5.Tanzania
The Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (EWURA) announced a sharp rise in fuel cap prices nationwide.
In Dar es Salaam, the retail price of petrol increased from Sh2,864 in March to Sh3,820 per litre.
Diesel rose to Sh3,806 per litre, while kerosene reached Sh3,684 per litre.
These increases, which exceed 33% for petrol and diesel in one month, result directly from the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.
6. Kenya
Kenya has increased the cost of petroleum, with diesel prices rising by a record margin despite a fuel tax cut, as the conflict in Iran raises global oil prices.
In its most recent review, the energy regulator increased the price of diesel by 40 Kenyan shillings to 206 ($1.60; £1.20) per litre, while petrol rose by 28 shillings to a comparable level. It stated that this reflected higher global oil and shipping costs, despite the government’s decision to reduce value added tax to 13% from 16%.
The new prices will remain in effect until May 14, when the next review is due.
Despite a conditional two-week ceasefire signed last Wednesday, which included the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global oil and gas supplies, there are still concerns that the energy crisis will worsen.
Fuel shortages have been reported in some parts of Kenya, despite the government’s claim that stocks are adequate and accusing some fuel companies of hoarding supplies.
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