The LPG Marketers Association has opposed the recent hike in taxes on Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) following the passage of the energy sector levy amendment act.
The association said the law has introduced an 18pesewas/kilo levy on LPG contrary to the government’s assurance in the budget that the energy sector recovery levy will only affect petrol and diesel.
According to the LPG marketers, a tax hike on LPG is misconceived and inappropriate considering the fact that LPG is more expensive in Ghana than in any other African country.
Vice president of the association Gabriel Kumi said “during the budget debate, one of the MPs, I think Ato Forson stood up and posited that when the bill was laid before parliament, 18pesewas was slapped on LPG in the bill even though in the main budget there was nothing like that.”
“So, we were taken aback, since we have been calling for even the existing taxes to be removed. How come an increment rather, so we felt the need to appeal to the government to take a second look at that increment of 18pesewas/kilo and even consider removing some of the existing taxes to bring the price of the product down so that the ordinary Ghanaian can afford.”
He further noted that “If you look at statistics of LPG consumption in Ghana, since the month of October last year when prices started getting high, LPG consumption in ghana has been declining as a result of high price.”
Mr Kumi indicated that they will engage the energy minister to push for a review of the taxes on LPG.
“We don’t think government can afford to ignore our concerns. This is a listening government. Anybody who is interested in the survival of Ghana, who is interested in the future of ghana should not ignore this call.”
He added “at this point, we are not going to issue any threat, it’s an appeal. We’ll consistently make an appeal to the government. We are trying to engage the sector minister. Throughout West Africa, Ghana charges the highest price for LPG.”
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh
