The Minority in Parliament has called on the government to immediately scrap the GHC1 levy on petroleum products, arguing that it is no longer justified and is worsening the financial burden on Ghanaians.
Deputy Ranking Member of the Energy Committee, Collins Adomako Mensah, said the levy has outlived its purpose, especially at a time when global crude oil prices are rising due to geopolitical tensions involving Israel, the United States, and Iran.
“Keeping the one Ghana Cedi levy is punishment,” he stated, urging government to repeal the tax under a certificate of urgency.
The Minority’s call comes as fuel prices continue to climb. As of the second pricing window of March 2026, diesel is selling at GH₵15.60 per litre, while petrol has crossed GHC12.40 per litre.
The lawmakers noted that the Energy Sector Levy’s Amendment Act of 2025 added approximately GHC1 to the fuel price build-up, pushing the total levy to about GHC1.95 for petrol and GHC1.93 for diesel.
“No Longer Justified”
According to Mensah, the original rationale for the levy—clearing energy sector debt—has already been fulfilled.
He pointed out that between January and December 2025, the government settled about $1.47 billion in outstanding obligations, including GHC597 million drawn under the World Bank partial risk guarantee and all pending gas invoices.
“With the World Bank guarantee fully restored and the energy sector debt cleared, the justification for the GHC1 levy has completely evaporated,” he argued.
Beyond scrapping the levy, the Minority is pushing for a comprehensive review of all taxes and charges embedded in petroleum prices.
They believe restructuring or suspending some of these levies could help cushion consumers from the impact of rising global oil prices.
The call adds to growing public concern over fuel costs and their ripple effects on transportation, goods, and overall cost of living in the country.
Source: asaaseradio.com
