Government says relief measures will take effect within a week amid rising import costs.

Ghana will remove some fuel taxes and charges imposed along the supply chain by distributors and retailers in a move aimed at cushioning consumers from rising pump prices driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, government spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu said on Thursday.

He said the measures are expected to take effect within a week, although the specific levies to be scrapped will only be confirmed after consultations with stakeholders in the coming days.

Ghana imports about 70 percent of its refined fuel and is among several African countries affected by sharp increases in pump prices after the conflict involving Iran and Israel pushed global oil prices higher.

The National Petroleum Authority had earlier raised mandatory minimum price floors for the April 1 to 15 pricing window, increasing petrol prices by about 15 percent to 13.30 cedis per litre and diesel by roughly 19 percent to 17.10 cedis per litre.

Further consultations between government and industry stakeholders are expected ahead of the next pricing window, which begins in about a week.

Kwakye said the government is aware of the exact amount of relief to be provided, adding that it would be significant and would last for an initial four week period before a review is conducted.

He added that the recent fuel price increases were driven solely by the impact of the Iran conflict on global oil markets.

Separately, the transport minister has been directed to accelerate the deployment of newly acquired Metro Mass buses along high traffic routes, with fares set below those charged by private operators in a bid to ease pressure on commuters.