NPP Demands Answers Over Government’s GH¢2 Diesel Price Reduction Policy

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has demanded greater clarity from the government on the financial arrangements behind President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to reduce diesel prices by GH¢2 per litre.

The party says the government must explain which specific petroleum margins, taxes, and levies are being adjusted to fund the temporary relief and disclose the expected impact of the policy on state revenue.

The concerns were raised by the Ranking Member on Parliament’s Energy Committee, George Kwame Aboagye, during an NPP press briefing held on Wednesday, August 5, 2026.

Addressing journalists, Mr Aboagye questioned the sustainability of the intervention and called for transparency regarding how the government intends to finance the reduction.

He said Ghanaians deserve to know the exact source of funding for the policy and whether the measure could create any financial pressure on the state.

“We therefore put the following questions to the government: which specific margins, levies or taxes are being reduced to finance the two cedis diesel relief and what is the total revenue loss?” he asked.

The NPP Energy Committee Ranking Member also wanted the government to clarify whether the GH¢2 diesel reduction was captured in the 2026 national budget or introduced as an additional expenditure measure outside the approved fiscal framework.

He further demanded information on what steps would be taken to offset any possible revenue shortfall resulting from the intervention.

According to Mr Aboagye, while reducing fuel prices may provide temporary relief to consumers, the government must demonstrate how the policy will lead to a corresponding reduction in transportation costs and prices of essential goods.

He questioned whether commercial transport operators would reduce fares following the diesel price adjustment and called for clear measures to ensure that the benefit reaches ordinary Ghanaians.

The NPP also raised concerns about the GH¢1 per litre levy, asking the government to state whether the levy would remain unchanged during the period of the diesel relief.

Mr Aboagye further requested clarification on whether any costs that had already been transferred to consumers would be refunded as part of the intervention.

The party’s questions come after President John Dramani Mahama directed the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to implement a temporary GH¢2 per litre reduction in the regulatory margin on diesel prices.

The directive forms part of government measures aimed at cushioning consumers and businesses from the effects of rising fuel prices.

The reduction took effect on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, and applies only to diesel for an initial period of one month, unless government reviews or extends the arrangement.

Under the directive, diesel prices were reduced while petrol prices remained unchanged.

The government has said the move is intended to provide relief to consumers, especially commercial transport operators and businesses that rely heavily on diesel, while helping to manage the impact of fuel price increases on the economy.