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Fuel Prices in Ghana: How Petrol and Diesel Prices Are Set
Quick answer: Petrol and diesel prices in Ghana can change twice a month. The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) sets two pricing windows, the 1st to the 15th and the 16th to the end of the month, and publishes a price floor (a minimum price) for each window on its price floor page. Oil marketing companies then set their own pump prices above that floor, so prices differ between brands and stations. Check the NPA page or the price board at the station for today's price.
We don't publish fuel prices on GhanaCarHire, because they change every window. This guide explains how they're set and what it means for car rental and hire.
How fuel pricing works
Under the NPA's Petroleum Products Pricing Guidelines:
- There are two pricing windows a month: the 1st to the 15th, and the 16th to the end of the month.
- Prices for petrol, diesel, LPG and kerosene are deregulated: companies set them using the NPA's pricing formula.
- The formula adds taxes, levies and margins to the cost of the fuel, which is based on international benchmark prices averaged over a set period.
- The NPA sets and announces a price floor for each window. Stations must not sell below it.
MyJoyOnline reported when the guidelines took effect in April 2024 that oil marketing companies can review prices at their stations daily, after notifying the NPA, and that one company's outlets no longer have to charge the same price everywhere.
Why the price changes
Because Ghana imports refined petroleum products, BusinessGhana explains that a weaker cedi raises the cost of fuel bought in dollars. Both world fuel prices and the cedi exchange rate affect what you pay. A weaker cedi or higher world prices push pump prices up in the next window, and the reverse can bring them down.
What it means for car rental and hire
- Ask whether fuel is included. Some car rental and hire quotes include fuel and some don't. If not, ask whether it's full-to-full or paid as you go. Our guide to how car rental pricing works lists what to confirm.
- Long trips: on a trip such as the Accra to Kumasi road trip, fuel is a big part of the cost if it isn't included. Ask the firm how it handles it.
- With a driver: when you rent a car with a driver, agree who pays for fuel and how before you set off.
- Self-drive: keep receipts, and return the car with the fuel level agreed in writing.
- Booking across a window: if your trip starts in one pricing window and ends in the next, prices can change mid-trip.
Frequently asked questions
How often do fuel prices change in Ghana?
The NPA sets two pricing windows a month, from the 1st and from the 16th, and stations can review prices within a window after notifying the NPA.
Where can I check today's fuel price in Ghana?
The NPA publishes the price floor for each window on its website. The actual pump price is on the board at each station.
Is fuel included in car rental and hire in Ghana?
It depends on the firm and the quote. Always ask, and get it in writing.
Plan your trip
Compare self-drive car rental and car rental with a driver in Ghana.
Sources
- Petroleum Products Pricing Guidelines (National Petroleum Authority (NPA))
- Price floor (National Petroleum Authority (NPA))
- NPA to set price floor for petroleum products from April 1 in new guidelines (MyJoyOnline)
- Petrol, diesel prices to fall in second October pricing window: COMAC (BusinessGhana)
Last checked: 18 October 2026. Rules, prices and advice change, so recheck official sources before you travel.
Related guides
How to Choose a Car Rental & Hire Company in Ghana
International brands, local car rental and hire firms or booking sites? How to compare companies in Ghana, check a firm, and agree terms before you pay.
Photo: Amuzujoe, CC BY-SA 4.0
