President John Dramani Mahama has directed the National Petroleum Authority to absorb GH¢2 per litre of diesel, offering temporary relief to motorists and businesses as fuel prices rise sharply across Ghana.
The intervention, announced on Monday, August 3, 2026, will take effect on Tuesday, August 4, and remain in force for one month unless reviewed earlier by the government. It involves a GH¢2 reduction in the regulatory margin included in the price of every litre of diesel.
According to a statement signed by Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the directive follows a Cabinet decision and builds on a similar fuel-price intervention implemented in April 2026.
The government said the move is intended to protect consumers from the full impact of rising international petroleum prices. It is also expected to discourage transport operators from increasing fares, limit inflationary pressure and reduce the effect of expensive fuel on food, transportation and other essential goods.
Diesel is heavily used by commercial drivers, farmers, industries, haulage companies and power-generating businesses. A major increase at the pumps could therefore spread quickly through the economy and place additional pressure on household budgets.
The latest directive applies specifically to diesel, with no similar GH¢2 reduction announced for petrol. Some major fuel stations have recently been selling diesel close to or above GH¢19 per litre following adjustments during the August pricing window.
Government has promised to monitor developments in the international energy market and introduce further measures when necessary to protect Ghanaians and sustain the country’s economic recovery.
The dramatic intervention offers immediate breathing space for diesel users, but attention will now turn to fuel stations to determine how quickly the GH¢2 relief is reflected in actual pump prices.
For transport operators and struggling households, Mahama’s directive could provide crucial protection against another painful rise in fares and living costs.
