CSOs propose GH¢1.65 per litre fuel price cut to ease cost of living pressures

Civil society organisations have called on the government to reduce fuel prices by GH₵1.65 per litre, arguing that the move would provide immediate relief to households struggling with high living costs.

The proposal, put forward by a coalition of CSOs, comes amid growing public concern over persistent inflationary pressures and the rising cost of transport, food, and essential goods.

According to the groups, the current fuel price levels are inconsistent with recent trends in global crude oil prices and exchange rate stability. They contend that a downward adjustment of GH₵1.65 per litre is justified and feasible without undermining the broader fiscal recovery efforts.

The CSOs further argued that the proposed cut would have a direct ripple effect across the economy, reducing transportation fares, lowering production costs for businesses, and ultimately bringing down the prices of basic commodities.

“Fuel prices remain a major driver of inflation in Ghana. A reduction at the pump will translate into immediate relief for millions of Ghanaians,” the coalition stated in a joint release.

The proposal comes just days after the World Bank praised Ghana’s economic turnaround, citing improved macroeconomic stability and stronger fiscal management under the leadership of the Finance Minister.

However, the CSOs cautioned that macroeconomic gains risked feeling irrelevant to ordinary citizens if not accompanied by tangible improvements in household purchasing power.

“While we acknowledge the progress made in stabilising the economy, the cost of living crisis is still a daily reality for most Ghanaians. A fuel price cut is one of the most direct ways to bridge that gap,” the statement added.

The government and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) have yet to respond to the proposal. Analysts suggest that while the call may find public support, any adjustment would need to be balanced against revenue considerations and ongoing IMF programme targets.

Pump prices have seen marginal reductions in recent weeks, but the CSOs insist these are insufficient compared to the scale of the burden facing consumers.

The coalition has urged the government to act swiftly, describing the proposed cut as a necessary social intervention rather than a mere economic recommendation.

As of the time of filing this report, the Ministry of Finance had not issued an official response to the proposal.