The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has warned of significant increases in fuel prices at the pumps from April 1, 2026, citing rising global crude oil prices and a weakening cedi.
In a statement issued on Thursday, March 26, COPEC said, “Petroleum prices beginning Wednesday the 1st of April 2026 are expected to see some significant increments across the pumps.”
According to the Chamber, petrol is projected to increase by 16.1 percent, while diesel could rise by 18.6 percent in the first pricing window of April.
COPEC attributed the expected hikes to a surge in global crude oil prices, which rose by over 26 percent from $86.2 per barrel to $109.23 per barrel, alongside a marginal depreciation of the Ghana cedi.
Providing a breakdown, the Chamber explained that petrol prices could reach about GH¢14.76 per litre, stating, “Thus, the retail price of Petrol is expected to be selling between GHS14.02/L and GHS15.5/L, within a ±5% range of COPEC’s projection.”
Diesel is expected to see a sharper increase, with projected prices hitting GH¢18.67 per litre. COPEC noted, “Diesel is thus expected to increase significantly with retail price selling between GHS17.74/L and GHS19.61/L within a ±5% range of COPEC’s projection.”
Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is also expected to rise significantly, driven by a nearly 37 percent increase in international prices. The Chamber indicated that LPG could sell at about GH¢15.9 per kilogram, adding that it is likely to range between GH¢15.12/kg and GH¢16.71/kg.
Despite the projected increases, COPEC urged oil marketing companies to cushion consumers. “It is the expectation of COPEC that Oil Marketing Companies would shield consumers by shelving some of their margins in order not to overburden the consumer,” the statement said.
The Chamber also appealed to government to intervene by reviewing taxes and levies on petroleum products to ease the burden on consumers.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
