• Ghana reviewing fuel taxes after recent pump price increases
• Minister says no decision yet; options include levy reductions
• Rising global oil prices drive higher domestic fuel costs

Ghana is holding internal discussions on possible changes to taxes applied to petroleum products, Energy and Green Transition Minister John Abdulai Jinapor said on Tuesday, following recent increases in pump prices.

Jinapor made the remarks on April 7 in Accra at the launch of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies Safety Week Celebration 2026, held at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration. No decision has been made yet, he said.

According to Jinapor, the discussions focus on whether to maintain or adjust certain fuel levies, including the “one cedi levy”, a fixed charge included in the pump price, estimated at about one Ghanaian cedi, or roughly $0.091 per liter of fuel sold. The minister said several options are under consideration, including a partial reduction or the removal of specific charges. He added that the deliberations are being coordinated with the Finance Ministry to assess their budgetary impact.

Rising prices

The talks come as domestic petroleum product prices rise, driven by higher crude oil prices on international markets amid geopolitical tensions. This has led to higher fuel prices in Ghana, prompting reactions from consumers and businesses, Jinapor said. The government has indicated that ensuring supply remains its priority.

This follows a recent upward adjustment in fuel prices by Ghana’s National Petroleum Authority (NPA). On April 1, the regulator set higher fuel price floors for the pricing window through April 15. Gasoline was set at 13.30 cedis per liter, up 1.73 cedis, while diesel rose to 17.10 cedis per liter, an increase of 2.75 cedis. Liquefied petroleum gas was set at 10.71 cedis per kilogram.

According to technical guidance published by the NPA on April 1, these levels reflect changes in international prices and the exchange rate. Actual pump prices were subsequently adjusted by operators to include commercial margins and applicable levies.

Abdel-Latif Boureima