Fuel prices across Ghana are expected to rise sharply in the first pricing window of April 2026, according to projections released by the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC).
In a statement dated March 26, 2026, COPEC indicated that petrol prices could increase by about 16.1 percent, while diesel is projected to rise by 18.6 percent. The anticipated hikes are attributed primarily to rising global crude oil prices and the marginal depreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar.
The statement noted that global crude oil prices have surged by approximately 26.21 percent, climbing from $86.2 per barrel to $109.23 per barrel within the current pricing window. Meanwhile, the cedi depreciated by about 1.22 percent, moving from an interbank rate of GHS10.91 to GHS11.05 per dollar.
According to COPEC’s analysis, the international Free On Board (FOB) price of petrol rose by 24.66 percent, from $810.9 per metric tonne to $1,017.43. This, combined with currency pressures, is expected to push the retail price of petrol to around GHS14.76 per litre. Consumers could see pump prices ranging between GHS14.02 and GHS15.50 per litre, depending on adjustments by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs).
Diesel is expected to record an even steeper increase. The FOB price of diesel jumped by 28.68 percent, from $1,015.4 to $1,314.61 per metric tonne. As a result, diesel prices are projected to hit approximately GHS18.67 per litre, with pump prices likely ranging between GHS17.74 and GHS19.61.
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is also set to experience a significant price surge. COPEC reported a 36.93 percent increase in the international price of LPG, from $620.6 to $856.20 per metric tonne. The retail price is therefore expected to reach about GHS15.90 per kilogram, with a projected range between GHS15.12 and GHS16.71.
COPEC expressed concern over the impact of these increases on consumers and called on Oil Marketing Companies to absorb part of the cost by reducing their profit margins.
“We expect Oil Marketing Companies to shield consumers by shelving some of their margins in order not to overburden them with these steep increments,” the statement said.
The chamber also urged the government to review existing taxes and levies on petroleum products to provide some relief to consumers in the upcoming pricing window.
The projected increases, if implemented, are likely to have a ripple effect across the economy, particularly in transportation and the cost of goods and services.
