The government is set to absorb GH¢2 per litre of diesel costs from Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in a move aimed at easing the financial burden on transport operators and businesses facing rising fuel prices.
Citi Business sources say the intervention will apply only to diesel, with no subsidy planned for petrol, despite both fuel products recording significant price increases during the first pricing window of August.
The measure comes as diesel prices approach GH¢20 per litre at several filling stations, raising operating costs for commercial transport operators, logistics companies and businesses that rely heavily on road transportation.
The intervention is expected to provide temporary relief for sectors most exposed to diesel price increases, particularly the transport and distribution industries, where fuel costs have become a major driver of operating expenses.
The latest price adjustments by Oil Marketing Companies have pushed petrol prices above GH¢15 per litre at many outlets, while diesel prices have continued to climb following increases in international petroleum product prices, exchange rate pressures and adjustments to the National Petroleum Authority’s price floor.
At GOIL stations, petrol is selling at GH¢15.99 per litre, while diesel has reached GH¢19.26 per litre. Shell is selling petrol at GH¢16.29 and diesel at GH¢19.49, while TotalEnergies has priced petrol at GH¢14.99 and diesel at GH¢17.98.
Star Oil has revised its prices twice since the beginning of the August pricing window, with petrol increasing from GH¢14.53 to GH¢15.57 per litre, while diesel has risen from GH¢18.77 to GH¢18.97.
The government’s decision marks the second intervention in recent months to cushion consumers from fuel price increases driven by elevated global petroleum prices and continued pressure on the cedi.
Economists say the effectiveness of the diesel subsidy will depend on whether the cost relief is fully passed on to consumers at the pump and whether the support can be sustained if international crude oil prices remain elevated.
The rising cost of fuel has heightened concerns about possible increases in transport fares, logistics charges and the prices of goods and services, making diesel prices a key factor in broader inflationary pressures across the economy.
