A coalition of policy and energy think tanks in Ghana is urging the government to cut petroleum prices by 1.65 cedis per litre, saying the move would ease pressure on consumers facing rising living costs.

The coalition, which includes IMANI Africa, COPEC Ghana, INSTEPR and the Institute for Energy Security (IES), said the proposal follows a directive by John Dramani Mahama to review the petroleum pricing structure.

In a statement issued on Tuesday (14 April), the groups called for a comprehensive adjustment of taxes, margins and levies within the price build-up, rather than what they described as piecemeal interventions.

“We propose a cumulative reduction of GHC1.65 from the current petroleum price build-up,” the coalition said.

They also recommended that the relief measures be extended beyond the one-month period being considered by government.

“This should last for a period of TWO months instead of the FOUR weeks proposed by the government,” the statement added.

The groups argued that extending the duration of the intervention would provide more stable relief to households and businesses, while allowing authorities to reassess the policy based on global oil market trends.

They further said the proposed reduction would not significantly strain Ghana’s fiscal position, citing expected revenue inflows from crude oil exports during the period.

Fuel prices remain a key concern for consumers, with knock-on effects on transport costs and food inflation.

The coalition also called for broader reforms to Ghana’s petroleum pricing framework to reduce volatility and ensure long-term stability in the sector.