The latest increase in fuel prices has begun to ripple across Ghana's transport sector, with commuters in some parts of the country already facing higher fares as transport operators adjust charges to cope with rising operational costs.

The development follows the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies' (COMAC) projection of higher fuel prices from August 1, 2026, with petrol increasing by 7.58%, diesel by 12.50%, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) by 4.13%.

The adjustments have reignited concerns over the cost of living, as many passengers brace for additional financial pressure.

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Despite public frustration over the hikes, National Communications Member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Abdulai Sakra Alhassan, has defended the government's economic management, arguing that the increases could have been far worse if not for the relative stability of the cedi.

Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Monday, August 3, 2026, Alhassan acknowledged the burden the latest fuel price increases have placed on Ghanaians but maintained that the government's efforts to stabilise the local currency had helped cushion the impact on petroleum prices.

"If we couldn't bring down the dollar from the GH¢15 or GH¢16 levels it was heading towards, then how much would fuel be selling for today? We should appreciate that. We have done well in managing the exchange rate," he stated.

He stressed that fuel prices are largely influenced by exchange rate movements and argued that a weaker cedi would have resulted in even steeper increases, further driving up transport fares and the cost of goods and services.

While admitting that the current fuel prices are not ideal, Alhassan urged Ghanaians to consider the broader economic factors behind the adjustments rather than focusing solely on the price increases.

"We are not happy with where prices are. I'm not happy either. But we must not ignore the facts and only focus on what suits a particular narrative," he added.

However, with some transport operators in various communities already implementing fare adjustments, commuters are expected to feel the impact in the coming days, adding to concerns over the rising cost of living across the country

ANAS/MA

Ghana's recovery due to superior economic management - Ato Forson