Accra: Petrol consumers are expected to face higher fuel prices from September 1, 2026, while diesel users will continue to benefit from the government's GHS2 per litre relief. According to Ghana Web, the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has projected a 4.80% increase in petrol prices, compared with a 2.10% rise in diesel prices.
Despite the anticipated increase, the government has decided to continue supporting diesel consumers, citing diesel's extensive use by commercial transport operators, businesses, and industries. Richmond Rockson, spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, explained on Eyewitness News that the decision to focus the intervention on diesel was intentional, as it has a broader impact on industry and transportation costs.
Rockson elaborated that many commercial vehicles run on diesel, and numerous businesses and industries depend heavily on it for daily operations. He emphasized that diesel prices would have risen further from September 1 without the government's GHS2 intervention, which has been instrumental in cushioning consumer risk.
Initially expected to end in August, the GHS2 per litre relief will now extend into September. However, Rockson did not specify how long the intervention would remain in place, stating that the government would continue to monitor fuel prices and assess the need for further support. He also dismissed claims that petrol consumers were being neglected, mentioning past interventions when petrol prices were high.
Rockson recalled a time when petrol sold for about GHS14 per litre, while diesel prices ranged between GHS17 and GHS18 per litre, citing the significant price gap as a reason for supporting diesel. Despite this, petrol is now set to see a price increase from September 1, with no similar GHS2 relief announced for petrol consumers.