On 1 October 2026, the government of the Central African Republic implemented a price increase for essential fuels. Super fuel costs rose from 1,050 to 1,150 CFA francs per liter.
Gasoil prices also increased on the same date, shifting from 1,250 to 1,400 CFA francs per liter for private consumers. These adjustments represent the latest shifts in fuel pricing within the République centrafricaine. As of October 1, 2026, the price of super fuel in the Central African Republic increased from 1,050 to 1,150 CFA francs per liter, and as of the same date, the price of gasoil in the Central African Republic increased from 1,250 to 1,400 CFA francs per liter for private consumers.
Government Rationale for Increases
Fonds Monétaire International officials previously recommended that the Central African Republic adopt an international reference price alongside a more transparent import system. The IMF has previously recommended the use of an international reference price and a more transparent import system for the Central African Republic. These institutional suggestions aim to align local market conditions with global benchmarks. President Faustin-Archange Touadéra addressed the structural constraints of the national energy supply by stating, "Nous ne produisons pas du pétrole."
Government pricing adjustments have occurred periodically to address fiscal gaps. In January 2023, the Central African administration implemented a significant upward revision to fuel costs, raising gasoline prices by 50% and gasoil prices by 70%. In January 2023, the Central African government increased gasoline prices by 50% and gasoil prices by 70%. These historical adjustments reflect the state's reliance on external procurement for all petroleum products. The government must manage these costs to ensure that the national supply chain remains operational despite the lack of domestic production capabilities.
Data provided by the FMI indicates that the cost of securing fuel supplies remains high for the country. The FMI reported that in November 2022, the average import price of fuel in the Central African Republic was 1.8 times higher than in other countries in the region. The IMF reported that in November 2022, the average import price of fuel in the Central African Republic was 1.8 times higher than in other countries in the region. This price disparity notes the economic challenges the state encounters when procuring energy resources from international markets. Because the nation is entirely dependent on imports for its energy needs, the government faces persistent pressure to reconcile consumer pricing with the volatile costs associated with purchasing fuel on the global market. These procurement challenges are a central factor in the ongoing fiscal planning conducted by the administration in Bangui. By adjusting domestic rates, the government seeks to stabilize the energy sector while adhering to the guidance provided by international financial institutions regarding transparency and market-based pricing mechanisms.
