ACCRA, April 10 (Xinhua) -- The Ghanaian government has ordered a reduction in fuel price levies to lower ex-pump prices of petroleum products, Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu said late Thursday.
The reduction, according to Ofosu, is aimed at easing transportation and cost-of-living burdens on Ghanaians amid the Middle East crisis.
The minister told the media after Thursday's high-level cabinet meeting that the specific levies to be scrapped will be disclosed after the government consults with stakeholders in the petroleum and transport industries, noting that the move will significantly affect ex-pump prices.
The reduction would take effect from the next pricing window for petroleum products, he said, adding that the increases recorded during the last pricing window were mainly due to the conflict in the Middle East.
Prices at the pump increased by 15 percent at the beginning of April, with petrol now priced at 13.3 cedis (about 1.2 U.S. dollars) per liter and diesel at 17.1 cedis per liter. ■
