The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors, Dr. Patrick Ofori, has called on government to prioritise interventions on diesel as rising fuel prices continue to strain consumers and businesses.
Speaking on recent fuel price developments and the interventions to be set out by government, Dr. Ofori noted that diesel prices, which have climbed beyond GH¢17 per litre, are placing a heavier burden on the average consumer compared to petrol.
He explained that while petrol prices remain relatively within a range consumers have become accustomed to, diesel’s sharp increase demands urgent attention.
“If there is any intervention, you need to look at diesel because that is the one that has gone beyond GHC17 and you do all the simulation, it is a bit harsh for the average consumer.
“With regards to petrol, you look at the range that it is and it is still something that is a bit a manageable in terms of how we were even buying it in 2025 before the currency started going down. So, people are somehow used to buying the product at a certain range.” he stated in an interview on TV3’s Hot Issues, Sunday, April 12.
Dr. Ofori, however, cautioned against blanket removal of fuel levies, emphasising that each component within the pricing structure serves a specific purpose in maintaining efficiency within the petroleum sector.
“You also need to appreciate government commitment and how these levies prompt and bring some level of efficiency and protect all of us.
“Others will talk about take this margin off, take this off but you check every aspect of the levies and the margins are addressing a particular problem,” he added.
He urged policymakers to adopt a more targeted approach, suggesting that certain levies on diesel, such as the Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA), could be temporarily adjusted to ease the burden.
At the same time, he advised that any reduction in taxes or levies must be balanced with government’s revenue needs, warning that eliminating certain charges could create shortfalls.
According to him, government may need to reconsider subsidies and other fiscal measures to ensure that any relief provided does not undermine broader economic stability.
“When you look at some of the levies on diesel, you can pick let’s say diesel, you can pick the ESLA or maybe suspend a bit of the ESLA, you can also then decide that government already Is giving some sort of subsidies on petrol that would condensate for premix. So, if you don’t have and you want to even lessen your burden in tax, then you don’t give freebies again,” he noted.
Dr. Ofori stressed the importance of striking a balance between consumer relief and sustaining critical revenue streams, noting that careful calibration of fuel pricing policies will be key to managing the current pressures in the energy sector.
The Government of Ghana has announced measures to cushion the traveling public from the effects of increasing fuel prices due to the US-Israel-Iran war.
This was disclosed by the Government Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu after an emergency Cabinet meeting on April 9.
He noted that despite the cushioning effect of the economic gains, there is still fuel price increase. Consequently, Cabinet has decided on the following measures to cushion the public:
The Finance and Energy Ministers have been tasked to remove taxes and margins on petroleum prices in the next pricing window.
“The reduction or removal of some taxes and margins, as I’ve indicated, which should lead to a reduction in fuel prices effective, the next pricing window is supposed to last for an initial period of four weeks from the next pricing window. After the four weeks, the situation will be reviewed and as and when it is deemed necessary, appropriate actions will be taken,” Mr Ofosu revealed.
Transport Minister is to expedite the deployment of the newly imported 100 buses in high traffic areas.
“You recall that over the weekend, I announced the arrival of 100 Metro mass busses. Another batch of 100 buses are expected in August, and then the last batch of 100 are expected in November to make up 300. Currently, we have 100 available and the Transport Minister has been instructed by cabinet to ensure expedited deployment of these busses in high traffic corridors, to ensure that it alleviates any difficulties that may have arisen out of the fuel price increases,” Mr Kwakye Ofosu said.
He added that, “the Transport Minister is also being charged with ensuring that these Metro mass busses, in addition to the existing ones, charge or maintain transport fares which are lower than what private sector operators charge. This is to ensure that Ghanaians are cushioned, especially when we reach peak periods at the rush hour.”
President John Mahama reminded all Ministers about the ban on fuel allowance.
“In addition to this, the President took the opportunity at the Cabinet meeting to remind all ministers and senior government officials and appointees to adhere strictly to his ban on fuel allowances and allocation of fuel. This applies to all ministers and senior government officials,” the Government Spokesperson stated.
