Ghana will scrap selected fuel taxes and supply chain levies in a bid to shield consumers from rising pump prices driven by the conflict involving Iran, a government spokesperson said on Thursday.
The measures are expected to take effect within a week, though authorities have yet to specify which charges will be removed pending consultations with industry stakeholders.
Ghana, which imports around 70% of its refined fuel, has been hit by sharp increases in pump prices as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran has driven global oil markets higher.
The National Petroleum Authority earlier raised mandatory minimum price floors for the April 1–15 pricing window, pushing petrol prices up by about 15% to 13.30 cedis ($1.21) per litre and diesel by roughly 19% to 17.10 cedis ($1.55).
Government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu said the tax suspension would initially last four weeks and would be reviewed thereafter.
“We are aware of the exact amount. It will be significant,” he said, attributing the recent price increases entirely to the Iran conflict.
Consultations between the government and stakeholders are expected to conclude before the next pricing window in about a week.
Separately, the transport minister has been directed to accelerate the rollout of newly acquired Metro Mass buses on high-demand routes, with fares set below those of private operators to ease pressure on commuters.