The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) in Ghana is calling on the government to reduce the levy on petrol by 20 to 50 pesewas per liter. According to COPEC's Executive Secretary, Duncan Amoah, the current levy on petrol is unfair, especially when compared to the recent relief given to diesel users. The Finance Ministry had scrapped a GH¢1 levy on diesel, but no similar adjustment has been made for petrol.
COPEC's appeal is based on the fact that both petrol and diesel carry the same "D-levy," a specific duty charged on fuel products in Ghana. Amoah argues that the government should extend some benefit to petrol consumers, as a large share of ordinary private car owners depend on petrol for their daily commute. This includes professionals such as accountants, lawyers, nurses, doctors, and journalists who typically drive smaller, petrol-powered cars.
The proposed reduction in the petrol levy aims to cushion motorists from the rising fuel prices, which have pushed up transport fares and the general cost of living for many Ghanaians. A cut of 20 to 50 pesewas per liter on petrol would directly affect the running costs of private vehicle owners who rely on petrol for daily transport. This comes as household budgets are already under pressure from higher fares and goods prices linked to fuel costs.
Amoah emphasized that relief measures tied to fuel taxation should not be skewed toward one category of consumers. He argued that if the government is willing to revisit levies when it needs more revenue from all motorists, it should equally be willing to share out relief when levies are reduced. This, he believes, will ensure fairness in the taxation of fuel products.
The "D-levy" referenced by Amoah is a specific duty charged on fuel products in Ghana, which forms part of the taxes and charges added to the base price of petrol and diesel at the pump. COPEC, as a consumer advocacy group, monitors petroleum pricing and policy in Ghana and regularly engages the government on issues affecting fuel consumers.
The backdrop to COPEC's latest appeal is the government's decision to scrap the GH¢1 levy on diesel. However, the sources do not specify when that diesel levy removal took effect or how it was announced. There is also no indication of whether the Finance Ministry has responded to COPEC's call or whether any timeline exists for a decision on petrol levies.
For now, COPEC's position remains a public appeal rather than a confirmed policy change. The chamber's proposal aims to bring relief to motorists who are struggling with the rising cost of living. The government's response to COPEC's appeal remains to be seen.
Key points
- COPEC demands a 20-50 pesewas cut in petrol levy to cushion motorists from rising fuel prices.
- The proposed reduction aims to bring relief to private vehicle owners who rely on petrol for daily transport.
- COPEC argues that relief measures tied to fuel taxation should not be skewed toward one category of consumers.
