Côte d’Ivoire Raises May Fuel Prices as Global Oil Pressure Bites

Côte d'Ivoire has increased retail fuel prices for May, with authorities citing sustained pressure in global oil markets.

The price of unleaded petrol has been set at 875 CFA francs per litre, up from 820 CFA francs, while kerosene now sells at 745 CFA francs per litre, compared with 705 CFA francs previously.

In a statement issued on April 30, the Ministry of Mines, Petroleum and Energy said the revised rates apply from May 1 to May 30, establishing maximum retail prices for petroleum products across the country.

The adjustment comes as crude oil prices remain elevated, with Brent crude trading above $100 per barrel by late April 2026. The rise has pushed up import costs for economies exposed to external market swings.

Authorities have in recent years relied on subsidies and price controls on essential goods, including fuel and food items, to manage the effect on households.

At the same time, domestic oil output is expanding. Official figures show production reached 16.1 million barrels in 2024, equivalent to about 44,000 barrels per day, marking a sharp increase from the previous year.

Growth in output has been supported by the development of the Baleine field, which is expected to strengthen the role of hydrocarbons in the economy and ease energy supply constraints over time.