Fuel prices in Ghana have risen for the third time in 2025, leaving consumers frustrated and questioning the assurances of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). Petrol now costs GH₵16.23 per litre at Shell, with diesel priced at GH₵16.20, marking a significant jump compared to prices in January.
The latest adjustment comes in the wake of the first pricing window of February, as oil marketing companies (OMCs) respond to global and domestic pressures. This surge continues a worrying trend, as prices have climbed consistently since the beginning of the year, despite reassurances from Edudzi Tameklo, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the NPA.
NPA Assurances vs. Consumer Reality
Last week, Tameklo sought to calm public anxiety, emphasizing that efforts were underway to stabilize prices through strategic interventions. However, the recent hikes appear to contradict those promises, raising questions about the effectiveness of these measures.
Major players in the fuel market have adjusted prices upward. Shell’s petrol price has increased from GH₵15.59 per litre in late January to GH₵16.23, while diesel has risen from GH₵15.79 to GH₵16.20 per litre. Meanwhile, Star Oil has maintained its petrol price at GH₵14.99 but raised diesel prices from GH₵14.99 to GH₵15.37 per litre.
Factors Driving the Price Hikes
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) had earlier predicted these increments, attributing them to two key factors: the rising cost of Brent crude oil and the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi. Brent crude oil currently trades above $80 per barrel, exerting upward pressure on fuel import costs. Simultaneously, the cedi’s weakening against the US dollar continues to inflate prices for imported petroleum products.
These economic realities have further strained households and businesses, with many warning of the cascading effects on transportation costs and the prices of goods and services.
Calls for Action
The continuous price hikes have intensified calls for the government and the NPA to adopt sustainable strategies to manage fuel price volatility. Some stakeholders suggest revisiting the country’s pricing formula or exploring subsidies to cushion consumers against global market shocks.
What Lies Ahead?
As the next pricing window approaches in mid-February, all eyes are on the government and the NPA to see if they can deliver on promises to stabilize prices. For now, however, Ghanaians are bracing for tougher times, with fuel costs taking an increasingly heavy toll on everyday life.
This persistent trend has not only fueled economic concerns but also reignited debates about Ghana’s energy policies and the need for long-term solutions to protect consumers from recurring price surges.
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson
