GOVERNMENT TO SUSPEND GH¢1 D-LEVY ON DIESEL FOR TWO MONTHS

Government Adjusts Diesel Levy Intervention Ahead of Expected Fuel Price Increase The government is set to suspend the GH¢1-per-litre Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy, known as the D-Levy, on diesel for October and November, according to sources familiar with the matter. The adjustment will maintain the government’s total intervention on diesel at GH¢2 per litre, although the method used to provide the relief will change. Under the revised arrangement, the reduction in statutory margins will be lowered from GH¢2 to GH¢1 per litre. The remaining GH¢1 per litre will come from the temporary suspension of the D-Levy. This means motorists will continue to receive a total relief of GH¢2 per litre on diesel. GH¢1 will come from reduced statutory margins, while the other GH¢1 will result from the suspension of the levy. The intervention comes ahead of an expected significant increase in fuel prices during the first pricing window of October. The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers, COPEC, has projected a 5.21% increase in petrol prices and a 22.91% rise in diesel prices from Thursday, October 1, 2026. In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 29, COPEC Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah attributed the projected increases mainly to higher international petroleum prices and a marginal depreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar. According to COPEC’s estimates, the average retail price of petrol could increase from GH¢16.90 to GH¢17.78 per litre. Diesel prices could rise from GH¢18.24 to GH¢22.42 per litre. The anticipated fuel price increases have already contributed to an 8% adjustment in transport fares. The government’s decision to maintain the GH¢2-per-litre intervention on diesel is expected to offer some relief to consumers as diesel prices face upward pressure. Rather than relying entirely on reductions in statutory margins, the government will temporarily shift part of the intervention to the suspension of the D-Levy for the two-month period. The arrangement is expected to remain in effect throughout October and November, providing temporary support to diesel consumers during the period of higher projected fuel prices.