Ghanaian Minority calls for permanent abolition of fuel levy

The Minority caucus in Ghana's Parliament is demanding the permanent removal of the GH¢1 per litre Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (D-Levy). While the government has implemented a temporary suspension of the levy on diesel for October and November to cushion consumers against rising costs, lawmakers argue this only provides short-term relief.

Collins Adomako-Mensah, the Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament's Energy Committee, stated that the Minority had previously warned against linking the levy to international crude oil prices and the exchange rate of the cedi. He noted that the levy was introduced when crude prices were low and the cedi was stable, but current fluctuations in these factors have increased the financial burden on motorists.

Additionally, the Minority has criticized the structure of the levy, arguing that charging per litre instead of per gallon has placed an unnecessary weight on transport operators and diesel users. They are calling for a broader review of all taxes and levies included in petroleum prices to ensure lasting relief for consumers.