The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has issued a new directive for the first pricing window of February 2026, effectively raising the minimum price levels at which petroleum products can be sold.
Covering the period from February 1 to February 15, the directive mandates that no oil marketing company (OMC) or LPG Marketing Company (LPGMC) may sell below these approved floors to prevent price undercutting and promote market stability.
The New Pricing Thresholds
For the current window, the NPA has set the price floor for petrol at GH¢9.99 per litre, an increase from the previous GH¢9.80. This represents an increase of approximately 1.94%.
The price floor for diesel has been pegged at GH¢10.95 per litre, up from GH¢10.47, marking a more significant rise of roughly 4.58%. Additionally, Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is now priced at a floor of GH¢9.05 per kilogram.
OMC Responses
Several major players have already adjusted their pump prices to align with the new regulatory requirements.
State-owned GOIL is among the first operators to implement price adjustments, matching the National Petroleum Authority’s petrol price floor at GH¢9.99 per litre across 200 designated stations nationwide, up from 150 previously.
The company says the expanded discount network is intended to extend fuel relief to more customers while maintaining product quality.
Under GOIL’s discounted offer, diesel is now selling at GH¢11.90 per litre, representing an increase of 69 pesewas from GH¢11.21 in the second pricing window of January. At the regular pump price, diesel has risen to GH¢12.55 per litre, up 59 pesewas from GH¢11.96 previously.
However regular pump prices for petrol at GH¢10.99 per litre and Super XP 95 at GH¢13.97 per litre have been maintained.
Following the new directive, market leader Star Oil is retailing discounted petrol at the floor price of GH¢9.99 while the general price for petrol is selling at 10.56gh at a few stations.
Diesel is selling at GH¢11.56 while RON 95 is selling at 12.54.
Compelled Adjustments and Compliance
The introduction of the new floors means that OMCs previously engaged in price wars to gain market share must now increase their prices to remain compliant.
Based on pricing from the second window of January, several companies will be compelled to raise their rates.
Previously retailing petrol at GH¢9.94 per litre, Zen Petroleum must now increase this to at least GH¢9.99. JP Oil having previously sold petrol (SupremA) at GH¢9.89 and diesel (SupremO) at GH¢10.89, is now legally required to move these prices up to the new floors of GH¢9.99 and GH¢10.95, respectively at least.
Industry watchers expect more OMCs to review and likely increase their pump prices in the coming days as the February window gains momentum.
