Petrol consumers are expected to face higher fuel prices from September 1, 2026, while diesel users will continue to benefit from the government’s GH¢2 per litre relief.

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 expected increase, the government has decided to continue supporting diesel consumers, citing the fuel’s widespread use by commercial transport operators, businesses and industries.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Monday, August 31, 2026, spokesperson for the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, Richmond Rockson, said the decision to focus the intervention on diesel was deliberate.

EXPLAINER: How Ghana's cedi notes are produced

“The reason the government concentrates on diesel is that diesel has an impact, a wider impact on industry and the cost of transportation,” he said.

Rockson explained that many commercial vehicles run on diesel, while businesses and industries also rely heavily on the fuel for their daily operations.

He said diesel prices would have increased further from September 1 without the government’s GH¢2 intervention.

“What the prices have been in the last month has been down because of government intervention of two Ghana cedis, which has cushioned consumer risk,” he said.

The GH¢2 per litre relief was initially expected to end in August, but the government has decided to extend it into September.

Rockson, however, did not indicate how long the intervention would remain in place, saying the government would continue to monitor fuel prices and determine whether further support would be necessary.

He also rejected suggestions that the government was neglecting petrol consumers.

According to him, the government has previously intervened to support petrol users when prices were high.

Government raises GH¢6.5 billion as T-Bill demand remains strong

He recalled a period when petrol sold at about GH¢14 per litre, while diesel prices ranged between GH¢17 and GH¢18 per litre.

He said the significant price gap between the two products was one of the reasons the government chose to support diesel.

However, petrol is now expected to record a price increase from September 1, with no similar GH¢2 relief announced for petrol consumers.

DR/MA

GACL, GCAA to fund multi tiered car park, Airport Hotels projects – President Mahama