Since May 1, 2026, the Beninese government has applied a revision of fuel prices, in response to rising costs on the international market.
The new price list sets in particular the price of gasoline at 725 CFA francs per liter, that of diesel at 750 CFA francs and kerosene at 1,040 CFA francs. This increase, compared to January 2025 prices (695 CFA francs for gasoline and 720 CFA francs for diesel), sparked contrasting reactions on the ground.
Thanks to reinforced government controls, service stations, notably in Cotonou, Porto-Novo and Parakou, mainly apply the new prices. However, this increase had a direct impact on attendance, as Elie Aïnounkounkin, pump attendant in Benin, points out: "As you know, this increase has discouraged customers. Some don't come at all anymore. "
The informal market, a complex reality
In the informal sector, prices remain variable and unstable. Even before the official revision, they already oscillated between 650 and 800 CFA francs per liter, with more marked increases in remote areas. This disparity is largely explained by dependence on imports from Nigeria, where disruptions (war, ship attacks, logistical blockages) directly affect Benin's supplies.
Henri Assogba, informal fuel seller, explains: In the past, Nigeria exported its crude oil to the East to refine it. But with war and ships bombed at sea, this is no longer possible. As Nigeria itself is blocked, the situation impacts us too.
