Benin (a small West African nation on the Gulf of Guinea) has introduced higher official fuel prices as of early May, with gasoline now costing 725 CFA francs per litre, diesel 750 CFA francs, and kerosene 1,040 CFA francs — all up from January 2025 levels. The government says the adjustment is needed to stabilise national fuel supplies in the face of rising global oil prices driven by ongoing international conflicts. Residents and transport operators in cities such as Cotonou and Porto-Novo fear the increases will push up the cost of goods and daily commuting, with some calling for prices to return to previous levels of around 500 CFA francs per litre.