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Ethiopia has increased fuel prices nationwide, with retail rates for key petroleum products rising by as much as 10 birr per liter effective March 10, 2026, according to a directive issued by the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration.
Under the new pricing structure, white diesel rose by 10 birr to 139.84 birr per liter, marking the steepest increase among the revised rates. Gasoline climbed by 3 birr to 132.18 birr per liter, while kerosene increased by 7 birr to 146.14 birr per liter.
The ministry said the revised prices took effect at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday and were introduced in response to changes in international oil prices. Light black diesel is now priced at 137.03 birr per liter, while heavy black diesel will sell at 133.45 birr per liter. Jet fuel has been set at 145.23 birr per liter.
The latest adjustment pushes domestic fuel prices further upward following months of steady increases tied to rising import costs and the government’s efforts to scale back fuel subsidies. Compared with the previous benchmark price of 129.12 birr per liter recorded for gasoline, white diesel, and kerosene in February 2018 of the Ethiopian calendar, the new rates reflect a sharp increase, particularly for diesel.
Checks conducted at fuel stations in Addis Ababa’s Summit area showed that retailers had already begun applying the revised prices. Station attendants confirmed that motorists were purchasing gasoline at 132.18 birr per liter and white diesel at 139.84 birr per liter.
Tikvah Ethiopia reported that attempts to obtain additional comment from the Ethiopian Fuel and Energy Authority were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
The price increase comes as Ethiopia continues periodic reviews of domestic fuel prices to better match import expenses, which remain a major strain on the country’s foreign currency reserves. The government has in recent years moved toward a more market-based pricing system, gradually reducing subsidies that had previously cushioned consumers from global energy shocks.
Over the past year, fuel prices in Ethiopia have risen consistently, reflecting both international oil market pressures and broader macroeconomic reforms aimed at easing fiscal stress.
