Effective this Saturday, the government confirmed a steep increase in fuel prices through an early morning press release. Super gasoline now costs 990 F CFA per liter—an uptick of 70 F CFA—while diesel has risen to 755 F CFA per liter, up by 75 F CFA.

This adjustment aligns fuel prices with their pre-December 2025 levels, reversing nearly nine months of reduced rates that had provided temporary relief for drivers. The government emphasized that while global oil market instability—driven by Middle East tensions—has forced this measure, it remains committed to shielding citizens from further hardship.

Why the price hike occurred

In a public statement, officials clarified that the new tariffs simply restore prices to their original state before the December 2025 reduction. Other petroleum products, including cooking gas and boat fuel, remain unaffected by this change.

Sonko’s earlier forecast proves accurate

During a parliamentary session in May, Sonko cautioned that sustained global oil price volatility could make increases inevitable. “We will do everything to prevent transferring the Middle East crisis to our people,” he stated at the time. “But when circumstances become unmanageable, we must inform the public that further adjustments are unavoidable.”

The government’s decision arrives amid sharp global oil price surges, a direct consequence of the conflict in the Middle East. Despite efforts to stabilize the market, authorities acknowledge that Senegal cannot indefinitely absorb these external pressures.

While the increase is modest, it will ripple through the economy, influencing transport costs and consumer prices. For many Senegalese already grappling with rising living expenses, this change adds another financial burden.