Review GH¢1 Fuel Levy in Good Faith to Ease Consumer Burden – Duncan Amoah Urges Government

The Executive Secretary of the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), Duncan Amoah, has renewed his appeal to government to reassess the various taxes imposed on petroleum products, emphasizing that the call is made in the national interest and without any political motive.

Speaking in an interview on The Big Issue on Citi FM on Saturday, March 21, Mr. Amoah explained that the continued rise in global fuel prices makes it increasingly difficult for consumers to absorb the impact of multiple levies on petroleum products.

He stressed that COPEC’s position is aimed at ensuring a balanced outcome that benefits both government and citizens, noting that it would be unfair for the full burden of fuel-related taxes to be passed on to consumers during periods of price instability on the international market.

His remarks come amid renewed discussions over the GH¢1 Energy Sector Levy, which the Minority in Parliament has called on government to scrap, arguing that the debts the levy was introduced to address have already been cleared.

With diesel currently selling at about GH¢15.60 per litre and petrol going beyond GH¢12.40 per litre, critics say the additional levy is worsening the financial pressure on households across the country.

Mr. Amoah earlier indicated in another interview on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News on Wednesday, March 18, that aside from the GH¢1 levy, other charges such as the Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levy and the Special Petroleum Tax could also be reconsidered.

According to him, although these taxes were originally introduced to support specific interventions such as stabilising premix fuel supply and cushioning the impact of low crude oil prices they have gradually become permanent sources of revenue for the state.

He further cautioned that ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region could push fuel prices even higher in the coming weeks, making it more urgent for authorities to consider relief measures for consumers. He added that while the GH¢1 levy serves a useful purpose, preparations should begin toward reviewing it in a timely and practical manner