Diesel prices in Ghana could rise by 22.91% to GH¢22.42 per litre from October 1, 2026, while petrol is projected to go up by 5.21% to GH¢17.78 per litre, according to the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC).
The projection, issued on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, by COPEC Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah, covers the first pricing window of October. Diesel is currently selling at an average of GH¢18.24 per litre, while petrol sells at GH¢16.90.
COPEC also expects Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) to go up by 9.10% to GH¢15.68 per kilogramme.
The chamber blamed the expected increases on a sharp jump in global crude oil prices and a marginal depreciation of the cedi against the US dollar during the previous pricing window.
Diesel price to rise by GH¢4.18 per litre
If COPEC’s projection holds, diesel users will pay about GH¢4.18 more per litre, the steepest increase among the three main products.
Petrol is expected to go up by about 88 pesewas per litre, from GH¢16.90 to GH¢17.78.
COPEC’s projection for petrol falls within a range of GH¢16.89 to GH¢18.67 per litre, while LPG is projected to sell between GH¢14.89 and GH¢16.48 per kilogramme.
Current vs projected fuel prices from October 1
- Petrol: GH¢16.90 → GH¢17.78 per litre (+5.21%)
- Diesel: GH¢18.24 → GH¢22.42 per litre (+22.91%)
- LPG: projected at GH¢15.68 per kg (+9.10%)
Why fuel prices are going up: crude oil and cedi
According to COPEC, the average price of crude oil on the international market rose from $103.07 to $124 per barrel during the review period.
The cedi also depreciated by 1.20% against the US dollar, moving from GH¢11.4830 to GH¢11.6211.
International prices of refined products, which Ghana largely imports, also went up:
- Petrol (FOB): $1,251.07 → $1,304.39 per metric tonne (+4.26%)
- Diesel (FOB): $1,404.73 → $1,524.22 per metric tonne (+8.51%)
- LPG (FOB): $712.43 → $777.59 per metric tonne (+9.10%)
How the October projection compares with September
The projected increase comes on the back of earlier hikes in September. For the second pricing window of September, which started on September 16, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) raised the price floor for petrol from GH¢14.53 to GH¢16.00 per litre and diesel from GH¢15.60 to GH¢16.77 per litre.
The LPG floor price also went up from GH¢10.85 to GH¢10.97 per kilogramme at the time. The NPA cited tensions in the Middle East and concerns over global supply disruptions.
COPEC urges OMCs to cut margins
Mr Amoah urged Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to consider reducing some of their margins to cushion consumers against the expected increases.
COPEC also called on government to speed up the expansion of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) from 45,000 to 100,000 barrels per day to reduce Ghana’s dependence on imported refined products.
What the fuel price increase means for drivers and consumers
A diesel increase of more than 20% will hit commercial transport operators, haulage companies, farmers and businesses that run generators the hardest, since most of them depend on diesel.
Higher diesel costs could put pressure on transport fares and the prices of food and other goods moved by road. Commercial drivers only recently began charging new transport fares after talks with government.
Households that cook with LPG could also pay more per kilogramme if the projection materialises.
What happens next
COPEC’s figures are projections. Actual pump prices for the October 1 window will depend on the price floor announced by the National Petroleum Authority and the prices set by individual OMCs.
OMCs usually announce their new pump prices on or just before the start of the pricing window, so consumers should know the final figures by October 1.
Key details at a glance
- Diesel projected to rise 22.91%, from GH¢18.24 to GH¢22.42 per litre.
- Petrol projected to rise 5.21%, from GH¢16.90 to GH¢17.78 per litre.
- LPG projected to rise 9.10% to GH¢15.68 per kg.
- New prices expected from October 1, 2026 (first pricing window of October).
- Crude oil rose from $103.07 to $124 per barrel.
- Cedi depreciated 1.20% to GH¢11.6211 per US dollar.
- COPEC wants OMCs to cut margins and TOR expanded to 100,000 barrels a day.
FAQs
What is the new diesel price in Ghana from October 1, 2026?
COPEC projects diesel will sell at about GH¢22.42 per litre from October 1, up from GH¢18.24. Final prices depend on the NPA floor and individual OMCs.
How much will petrol cost in Ghana in October 2026?
Petrol is projected to sell at about GH¢17.78 per litre, a 5.21% rise from the current GH¢16.90.
Why are fuel prices going up in Ghana?
COPEC says crude oil rose from $103.07 to $124 per barrel and the cedi depreciated by 1.20% against the dollar, pushing up the cost of imported fuel.
In summary, COPEC expects Ghanaians to pay more at the pump from October 1, with diesel projected to jump 22.91% to GH¢22.42 per litre and petrol up 5.21% to GH¢17.78, driven by higher crude oil prices and a weaker cedi. Final prices will be confirmed when the NPA and OMCs announce the October 1 window.
