Accra: Spokesperson for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Environment and Natural Resources Sector Policy Committee, Dr John Kingsley Krugu, has thrown his support behind calls by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) for a temporary suspension of the GHS1 fuel levy. He argues that the government should assist in alleviating the financial strain on consumers due to increasing fuel prices and a weakening cedi.
According to Ghana Web, Dr Krugu expressed these views during an interview on Channel One TV on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. He remarked that the circumstances which warranted the levy's introduction have evolved, necessitating a government policy review. He recognized that the levy was initially implemented to generate revenue for addressing energy sector challenges such as accumulated debts, at a time when low fuel prices and a stronger cedi offered consumers some reprieve.
Dr Krugu highlighted the government's past rationale, which involved utilizing the levy revenue to manage energy sector debts amidst falling fuel prices and a stable cedi. However, he pointed out the current economic climate, marked by a depreciating cedi and escalating fuel prices, as a cause for reconsideration of the levy's continuation.
He questioned the government's current stance, emphasizing that consumers are now severely impacted by rising fuel prices, which also elevate transportation and goods costs. Dr Krugu proposed a temporary suspension of the levy for two or three fuel pricing periods to evaluate market trends before any decision on its reinstatement.
Dr Krugu warned of the levy's broad economic impact, noting that it extends beyond direct costs at the pump to influencing transportation expenses and the prices of goods nationwide. He stressed that recent changes in fuel pricing mechanisms expose consumers to international price fluctuations, further justifying the need for governmental relief measures.
In conclusion, Dr Krugu endorsed COMAC's perspective, advocating for the government to mitigate the financial burden on households and businesses by suspending the levy during these challenging economic times.