PURC Raises Electricity Tariffs 1.14% as Fuel Prices Climb; DSTv Committee Gets Extension

Ghana's consumer landscape sees measured adjustments this week as utility and fuel prices inch upward while regulators extend deadlines for broader pricing reviews. These developments occur alongside promising investment opportunities in the emerging electric mobility sector.

GOIL Leads Fuel Price Increase as Cedi Depreciation Bites

Some Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have begun adjusting pump prices, with state-owned GOIL taking the lead in implementing increases reflective of the cedi's recent depreciation.

The new prices show:

• Petrol: Increased to GH¢13.38 per litre from GH¢12.99

• Diesel: Rose to GH¢14.20 per litre from GH¢13.90

GOIL's move comes after most OMCs maintained prices for approximately a week, despite projections suggesting a 6% increase should have taken effect from September 16. Industry watchers are monitoring whether other players will follow GOIL's lead across the competitive market of over 200 OMCs.

The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) had earlier projected potential increases of 3.66%-5.86% for petrol and 2.12%-4.32% for diesel. The primary driver remains the cedi's depreciation, which fell 7.76% against the US dollar during the review period, bringing its year-to-date loss to 14.02%, one of the steepest globally.

Despite international crude oil and refined product prices declining (petrol -2.52%, diesel -4.12%), the local currency's weakness has made domestic price adjustments unavoidable.

PURC Announces Minimal 1.14% Electricity Tariff Increase for October

The Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) has approved a 1.14% upward adjustment in electricity tariffs for all consumer categories, effective October 1, 2025, while water tariffs remain unchanged.

The decision follows the Commission's Quarterly Tariff Review Mechanism, which tracks key economic variables including:

• Exchange rate (projected at GHS12.3715/US$1)

• Domestic inflation (annual average of 12.43% for Q4 2025)

• Weighted average cost of natural gas ($7.7134/MMBtu)

• Power generation mix (28.80% hydro, 71.20% thermal)

The PURC stated the review is necessary to "maintain the real value of tariffs and keep service providers financially stable to ensure continuous delivery of electricity and water." The minimal increase reflects a balancing act between utility viability and consumer protection amid economic pressures.

DSTv Pricing Review Committee Granted One-Week Extension

Communications Minister Sam George has granted a one-week extension to the stakeholder committee evaluating DSTv pricing in Ghana, with the new submission deadline now set for September 29, 2025.

The National Communications Authority (NCA) stated the extension will enable the committee to "complete its work and ensure that its recommendations adequately address the concerns raised by the Minister over DSTv pricing."

The committee's mandate includes:

• Developing a shared understanding of DSTv pricing for Ghana

• Formulating commercially viable measures acceptable to all parties

• Establishing a roadmap to tackle cross-border piracy from Nigeria

The NCA reported "significant progress" since the committee's inauguration on September 8, but noted additional time was needed to conclude consultations and harmonise stakeholder positions.

Investor's Insight – Ghana's E-Mobility Revolution Accelerates

Ghana is rapidly advancing its electric vehicle transition, with clear government targets creating immediate investment opportunities. The country aims for 30% EV adoption by 2030, supported by:

• Tax incentives for EV imports and local assembly operations

• Growing charging infrastructure development

• Supportive policy framework from the Energy Commission

This emerging sector represents a significant opportunity for investors in automotive manufacturing, charging infrastructure, and renewable energy integration.

The pricing adjustments reflect a carefully managed approach to economic pressures. The minimal electricity tariff increase demonstrates regulatory sensitivity to consumer impact, while the fuel price adjustments show market forces responding to currency dynamics.

The DSTv pricing review extension suggests complex negotiations are underway, balancing consumer affordability with business sustainability. Meanwhile, Ghana's gold coin continues to show strength, appreciating significantly since November 2024.

For investors, the e-mobility sector presents a forward-looking opportunity aligned with global sustainability trends and government policy support. However, the persistent currency pressures highlighted by fuel pricing adjustments underscore the ongoing challenges in maintaining macroeconomic stability.

The coming weeks will be crucial as the DSTv committee's recommendations could set precedents for how Ghana balances foreign business operations with consumer protection objectives.

Stay tuned to the Cedi Board® for real-time updates on Ghana's financial pulse. From prices and policy to investment tips that help you make sense of the numbers.