A coalition of policy research institutions is calling for urgent relief at the pump, proposing a GH¢1.65 reduction in Ghana’s petroleum price build-up as fuel costs continue to drive inflation and strain household budgets.
The coalition comprising IMANI Africa, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers, Institute for Energy Security and INSTEPR argues that targeted adjustments across fuel levies and margins could immediately ease transport and energy burdens.
Under the proposal, the group recommends cuts spanning key components of the pricing structure, including the Road Fund Levy, Energy Fund Levy, Special Petroleum Tax, BOST margin, Fuel Marking Margin, Unified Petroleum Pricing margin, and the Primary Sector Recovery Levy.
The proposal comes in response to a directive by President John Dramani Mahama, who tasked the Ministries of Energy and Finance to reassess taxes and levies within the petroleum pricing framework to reduce consumer pressure.
In a joint statement dated April 14, 2026, the coalition urged government to extend any relief period to at least two months, warning that a shorter window may not deliver meaningful economic impact for households and transport operators.
They further argued that the proposed tax relief would not significantly disrupt fiscal stability, citing expected crude oil revenue inflows as a buffer for temporary adjustments.
Beyond short-term relief, the think tanks are also pushing for structural reforms in the petroleum sector, including a review of excessive levies, the creation of a Strategic Reserve Fund, and increased investment in the Tema Oil Refinery to reduce dependence on imported refined products.
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The call adds to growing public pressure on government as fuel prices continue to influence inflation, transport fares, and the broader cost of living.
Analysts say the proposal is likely to intensify debate over how Ghana balances revenue mobilisation with consumer protection in the energy sector.
