President John Dramani Mahama has ordered a temporary GH¢2.00 per litre reduction in the regulatory margin on diesel as part of measures to shield consumers from rising fuel costs and avert an increase in transport fares.
The directive, announced by the Presidency on Monday, August 3, 2026, comes amid growing concerns over the impact of recent fuel price increases and warnings by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of a possible upward adjustment in transport fares.
In a statement signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidency said the intervention was approved by Cabinet and follows a similar measure introduced in April this year.
According to the statement, the reduction will take effect from Tuesday, August 4, and remain in force for one month unless otherwise reviewed by the government.
“His Excellency the President has directed that in line with the decision of Cabinet and the successful intervention implemented in April 2026, the regulatory margin on diesel be reduced by GHS 2.00 per litre for one (1) month,” the statement said.
The Presidency explained that the intervention is intended to lessen the burden on consumers while helping to stabilise transport costs and the broader economy.
“This temporary intervention is intended to cushion consumers, prevent transport fare hikes, contain inflationary pressures, and mitigate the pass-through effect of higher fuel prices on the cost of living,” the statement added.
Government also assured Ghanaians that it would continue to monitor developments in the international energy market and introduce additional measures where necessary.
“The Government will continue to monitor developments in the international energy market closely and take additional policy measures, where necessary to protect the interests of the Ghanaian people and sustain economic recovery,” the statement noted.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of threats by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to increase transport fares following recent hikes in fuel prices.
The union has argued that the continuous rise in petroleum prices has significantly increased the operating costs of commercial transport operators, making a fare adjustment increasingly inevitable.