The government is maintaining a GH¢2-per-litre relief on diesel for October and November, but through a revised arrangement aimed at cushioning consumers against a projected sharp increase in fuel prices.
Under the new arrangement, the GH¢2 intervention will comprise a GH¢1 reduction in statutory margins and another GH¢1 relief from the temporary suspension of the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (D-Levy) on diesel.
The D-Levy, which currently imposes a GH¢1 charge per litre, will therefore be suspended for the two months, while the reduction in statutory margins will be adjusted from GH¢2 to GH¢1 per litre.
The development comes at a time when diesel prices are expected to record a significant increase in the first pricing window of October.
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has projected a 22.91 per cent increase in diesel prices and a 5.21 per cent rise in petrol prices from Thursday, October 1, 2026.
COPEC estimates that the average retail price of diesel could rise from GH¢18.24 to GH¢22.42 per litre, while petrol is projected to increase from GH¢16.90 to GH¢17.78 per litre.
According to COPEC, the anticipated increases are largely driven by higher international petroleum prices and a marginal depreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 29, and signed by its Executive Secretary, Duncan Amoah, the Chamber said the projected changes would put further pressure on consumers and transport operators.
The anticipated fuel price increases have already been reflected in an 8 per cent increase in transport fares, adding to concerns over the wider impact of higher petroleum prices on households and businesses.
The government’s decision means diesel consumers will continue to receive a total GH¢2-per-litre intervention despite the expected rise in the market price.
The change, however, shifts the source of the relief, with GH¢1 now coming from reduced statutory margins and the other GH¢1 from the temporary suspension of the D-Levy.
The measure is expected to provide some relief to motorists, commercial transport operators and businesses that rely heavily on diesel during the two-month period.
