The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) anticipates slight increases in fuel prices in Ghana starting Tuesday, September 1, 2026. It is expected that petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will all see price hikes during the initial pricing window of September.
COPEC’s forecast indicates that the average petrol price is projected to reach approximately GH¢16.21 per liter, reflecting an estimated increase of 5% from the current average of GH¢15.43. Diesel is expected to reach approximately GH¢17.61 per liter, and LPG may rise to about GH¢14.19 per kilogramme.
The projected increases come despite some favourable movements in the wider market. COPEC said the average international crude oil price actually fell from US$90.41 to US$89.30 per barrel during the pricing window, while the Ghana cedi strengthened by about 2.39% against the US dollar.
The primary pressure, as stated by COPEC, stemmed from fluctuations in the prices of refined petroleum products in the international market. The Free-on-Board price of petrol has seen an increase of approximately 10%, climbing from US$1,033.15 to US$1,136.50 per metric ton. LPG experienced a rise in its international price, whereas diesel maintained a relatively stable position.
The projection must not be mistaken for a definitive fuel price. COPEC is providing an industry projection, while actual prices charged by individual Oil Marketing Companies can vary.
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has already increased the minimum price floors for petrol and diesel for the September 1–16 pricing window. The minimum price of petrol has increased from GH¢13.92 to GH¢14.53 per liter, and diesel has witnessed a rise from GH¢15.19 to GH¢15.60. The LPG price floor, however, has fallen slightly from GH¢10.98 to GH¢10.85 per kilogramme.
The difference between the NPA price floor and the figures projected by COPEC is important. The NPA floor is a minimum benchmark and does not necessarily represent the final amount consumers will pay at every filling station, since other costs and margins are applied within the downstream petroleum market.
COPEC has also appealed to the government to extend its fuel-support measures beyond August and urged Oil Marketing Companies to consider maintaining existing diesel prices to reduce the impact on consumers.
For motorists, transport operators and businesses that rely heavily on fuel, the projected increase means operating costs could come under renewed pressure in September. However, the final pump prices will depend on how individual oil marketing companies adjust their rates.
