Filling up in Senegal isn’t complicated, but a few local quirks are worth knowing: regulated prices, uneven availability outside the main hubs, and the rental company’s fuel policy, which you’ll want to follow to the letter.

Petrol or diesel?

Rental vehicles in Senegal run almost exclusively on petrol (Super SP95) or diesel (gasoil). A few rules of thumb:

  • Super SP95 (petrol): used by the vast majority of city cars and SUVs. Price regulated by the Senegalese state and revised periodically. As a rough guide, about 750 to 800 FCFA per liter in 2026 (subject to change — always check the price posted at the pump).
  • Diesel (gasoil): used by many 4×4s and pick-ups. Slightly cheaper than petrol, around 700 to 750 FCFA per liter. Better range for long trips.
  • LPG / CNG: barely available. Not relevant for standard rental vehicles.

Confirm the fuel type at handover

Both petrol and diesel are available at major stations, but the pumps aren’t always clearly labeled in standard French. Check the fuel type on the vehicle sheet your rental partner gives you, and double-check with the pump attendant before they start filling.

The main service-station brands

The networks you’ll see most often on Senegal’s main routes:

  • TotalEnergies: the widest network, present in Dakar, Thiès, Saint-Louis, Mbour, and along the A1 motorway. Stations are generally well kept, and card payment is often available at the larger sites.
  • Shell: present in the main urban areas. Quality comparable to TotalEnergies.
  • Touba Oil: a growing network with competitive prices and many locations along the national roads.
  • Elton: frequent stations on peri-urban routes and secondary roads.
  • Independent stations: found in less-served areas. Cash only.

Where to fill up on the main routes

  • A1 motorway (AIBD ↔ Dakar): stations at Diass (AIBD exit) and at Diamniadio. Try to fill up before joining the motorway if you can — stations along the motorway itself are scarcer.
  • Dakar → Saint-Louis (N2): stations at Thiès, Tivaouane, and Louga. A full tank from Dakar is more than enough to reach Saint-Louis.
  • Dakar → Saly / Mbour (N1 or the Sindia road): stations in Mbour and Saly with no trouble at all.
  • Remote areas (Siné-Saloum tracks, Casamance, Bassari country): top off completely before leaving the last sizable town. Stations are far apart and stocks can be limited.

Paying at the pump

At the vast majority of Senegalese stations, payment is in cash (FCFA). Card payment is available at some larger TotalEnergies sites in urban areas, but it’s never guaranteed. Always carry FCFA cash for fuel.

Wave and Orange Money are accepted at a growing number of stations, especially outside Dakar.

Your rental partner’s fuel policy

The fuel policy sets the rules for handover and return of the vehicle. Two formulas are common:

  • Full-to-full: you pick up the vehicle with a full tank and return it full. It’s the fairest formula — we recommend it.
  • Level-to-level: you return the vehicle at the same level as at pickup (recorded at handover). More flexible, but make sure the starting level is clearly noted on the contract.

If you return the vehicle with less fuel than agreed, a fuel surcharge will be deducted from your deposit — usually at a rate above the pump price. Contact your partner for the exact terms of the policy that applies to your booking.

A transparent fuel policy on Senoto.

Starting fuel level checked and photographed at handover. No disputes, no surprise surcharges.

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FAQ

Can I pay for petrol by card?

At some larger TotalEnergies stations in Dakar, yes. But don’t count on it everywhere — always keep FCFA cash on hand for fuel, especially outside the capital.

How do I know whether my vehicle runs on petrol or diesel?

The information is on the vehicle’s tech sheet provided by your rental partner and on the rental contract. In practice, the label on the fuel cap usually shows the type. When in doubt, ask your partner before filling up.

Can I carry a spare fuel jerrycan?

Senegalese regulations don’t forbid carrying an approved jerrycan (10–20 L) for trips into remote areas. Check your rental partner’s policy on this point — some contracts exclude it for insurance reasons.