Gasoline prices vary dramatically worldwide, and while some countries enjoy cheap, subsidized fuel, others face record-high costs at the pump. In 2025, a handful of places stand out as the most expensive.
Top 5 most expensive countries for gasoline
| Rank | Country / Region | Price (USD per gallon) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hong Kong | $13.00 |
| 2 | Monaco | $10.42 |
| 3 | Iceland | $10.28 |
| 4 | Denmark | $8.46 |
| 5 | Netherlands | $8.39 |
Why are prices so high?
- Taxes and environmental policies: Many of these regions impose heavy fuel taxes to curb consumption and encourage green alternatives.
- Import dependency: Countries with limited domestic oil production rely on costly imports, raising prices for consumers.
- High living costs: Places like Monaco and Hong Kong already rank among the most expensive cities in the world, and fuel costs follow the same trend.
- Policy incentives: Northern Europe in particular uses high fuel prices as part of a broader push toward electric vehicles and renewable energy.
Global comparison
The worldwide average price for gasoline is around $4.90 per gallon. Drivers in Hong Kong pay nearly three times this amount, while Monaco and Iceland both exceed double the global average. Even Denmark and the Netherlands charge almost twice as much as the worldwide norm.
Key takeaway
For drivers in Hong Kong, Monaco, and Iceland, filling up a tank comes at a staggering cost compared to most of the world. Meanwhile, European countries such as Denmark and the Netherlands use high fuel prices to accelerate the shift toward cleaner transportation.
