The Minority Caucus in Parliament has renewed its call for the immediate repeal of the GH¢1 on petroleum products nickenamed Dumsor Levy, warning that the tax is placing an unbearable burden on Ghanaians amid rising fuel prices and global economic uncertainty.
Deputy Ranking Member on the Energy Committee, Collins Adomako Mensah, described the continued imposition of the levy as unjustifiable given current economic realities.
“Keeping the GH¢1 Dumsor Levy at a time when fuel prices are rising sharply is not policy—it is punishment,” he stated.
The Minority’s call comes against the backdrop of surging crude oil prices on the international market, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions.
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According to the caucus, crude oil prices have jumped significantly in recent weeks, with projections indicating further increases if the global situation persists.
Speaking at a press conference in Parliament on Wednesday, the Ranking Member warned that the impact is already being felt locally, with petroleum prices rising steadily and threatening to worsen the cost of living.
“Ghanaians are now directly paying for the levy at a time when the cedi can no longer cushion fuel price shocks,” the Minority said.
The GH¢1 Dumsor Levy was introduced in 2025 under the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act to help address legacy debts and support fuel procurement.
However, the Minority argues that government’s own data shows the original purpose of the levy has been achieved.
They pointed to official disclosures indicating that about $1.47 billion was spent in 2025 to stabilise the energy sector, including clearing arrears and restoring critical financial guarantees.
“If the debt has been addressed and the energy sector stabilised, then the justification for this levy has completely evaporated,” the caucus insisted.
The Minority urged government to take immediate legislative steps to repeal the levy under a certificate of urgency. They also called for a broader review of taxes and levies embedded in petroleum pricing to provide relief for consumers.
“We are calling on government to act swiftly to cushion Ghanaians from the full weight of rising fuel prices,” Collins Adomako Mensah emphasised.
The caucus warned that failure to scrap the levy could worsen economic hardship for households and businesses already grappling with high transportation and energy costs.
They stressed that energy policies must prioritise the welfare of citizens rather than revenue generation.
“At a time like this, government must choose relief over revenue. The Ghanaian consumer cannot continue to carry this burden,” the Minority concluded.
With fuel prices expected to remain volatile in the coming weeks, the Minority says it will continue to push for parliamentary action to ensure the repeal of the levy and broader reforms in the energy sector.