The Executives of the LPG Marketing Companies Association in the Republic of Ghana have directed the LPG retailers to reverse the current prices of the commodity to reflect the previous prices.
The directive follows the government’s decision to withdraw the GHS 13.5 pesewas LPG Cylinder Recovery Levy introduced by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) on April 1, 2020.
Prior to the introduction of the new levy, a 14.5 kg of LPG sold at between GHS 65-70. However, when the new levy was introduced, the same quantity went up by GHS5 to sell at GHS75.
The introduction of the LPG Cylinder Recovery Levy, which was intended to support the LPG marketers/ OMCs to procure and maintain the cylinders during the implementation of the cylinder recirculation model policy, was met with stiff opposition from some industry players especially, Chamber of Petroleum Consumers, Ghana and LPG Marketing Companies Association.
They argued that the new levy would worsen the plight of consumers who are already finding it difficult to afford the commodity due to numerous taxes introduced on the product.
Commenting on the withdrawal of the new levy, Vice preysident of the LPG Marketing Companies Association, Gabriel Kumi indicated that the association received an official communication from the regulator, NPA, about the withdrawal of the new levy.
He said his outfit subsequently informed its members about the latest decision.
Asked whether consumers were going to see change in price immediately, he said it would take a day or two because of administrative purposes.
“We are appealing to all our members that we’re not in good times yet. This is the time Ghanaians should enjoy freebies. This is the time the President is giving us free electricity, water, food, etc. so let us also contribute our part. This is not something legal for us. This is something the Ghanaian consumers should enjoy,” he stated.
Mr Kumi said the Association is yet to meet with the NPA to discuss how they can refund monies they collected in the last few days to consumers.
Source: www.energynewsafrica.com