Gov't to implement GH¢1 fuel levy after Israel-Iran ceasefire – Asiedu Nketiah
The Chairman of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Johnson Asiedu Nketiah has said the government will implement the GH¢1 fuel levy after a ceasefire in the Middle East between Israel and Iran.
The levy, which was set to take effect on June 16, 2025, was suspended before implementation.
This is following a public backlash from transport unions, civil society groups, and consumers who warned it would worsen financial pressure on consumers.
In a television interview with Joy News on Wednesday [June 25], Mr Asiedu Nketiah defended the levy as necessary to address the energy sector's debt crisis inherited from the previous administration.
"With the recent ceasefire dropping oil prices back to pre-levy levels, I'm sure the levy will return," the NDC chairman stated, explaining that the suspension was due to concerns over potential oil price escalations from tensions in the Gulf region, particularly involving Iran.
Mr Asiedu Nketiah clarified that the decision to pause implementation was based on market conditions, not public protest.
He argued that even with the GH¢1 addition, fuel prices would remain significantly lower than the GH¢17.5 cedis per litre inherited from the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration. "If export prices dropped from GH¢17.5 cedis to GH¢10 or GH¢11, adding a GH¢1 levy brings it to GH¢12, still lower than GH¢17.5," he said.
