This Is the Right Time for GH¢1.00 Fuel Levy – John Jinapor

The Minister for Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor, defended the new GH¢1.00 petroleum levy. He called it a strategic measure to stabilize the energy sector.

Mr. Jinapor spoke on Joy FM on Wednesday, June 4. He noted that Parliament approved the levy just a day earlier. The government could not implement it sooner due to high fuel prices.

“When we took office, fuel was about GH¢16.00 per litre,” he said. “A sensitive government would not impose a levy at that time.” He explained they waited until conditions improved.

Currently, fuel prices are around GH¢13.00 per litre. This GH¢3.00 reduction allows sharing benefits with Ghanaians through the new levy.

The minister mentioned that lower global fuel prices and stable cedi rates have improved purchasing power. He believes this is the right time for the levy without causing excessive hardship.

“It is better to do it today than yesterday,” Mr. Jinapor added. “Your purchasing power has increased because of the dollar's value drop.”

However, opposition Members of Parliament criticize the new fuel levy. They argue it adds to living cost pressures for ordinary Ghanaians, especially from the New Patriotic Party (NPP).