COPEC rejects “boardroom decisions,” warns uniform-pricing could kill competition
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), has pushed back against the NPA’s decision to end selective fuel discounts for some retail fuel outlets, warning that such a move could render the industry “uncompetitive.”
The Chamber argues that Ghana’s fuel market has evolved under deregulation and that location‑based competitive pricing could benefit consumers especially in areas where smaller players are trying to compete against bigger brands.
During an appearance on Joy News’ PM Express on Wednesday, COPEC’s Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah registered the Chamber’s opposition, emphasizing that COPEC will maintain a position that protects the interest of the consumer, and will not support decisions “taken elsewhere.”
“The Chamber is a consumer body and is not here to affirm, accept or endorse decisions taken in boardrooms. We would aggregate and articulate at all times what we believe is consumer‑centric position,” he maintained.
Duncan Amoah argued that market conditions and the economics of different locations mean station-to-station price competition could be what he described as a rational strategy that helps consumers in competitive areas, and can help smaller players survive especially when they are established next to bigger brands.
“Don’t forget about the economics of different locations. Competition would also tell you there are some locations where a lesser-known OMC is located adjacent to a bigger one, if there’s a way to discount so as to be able to attract people who are price sensitive, I don’t see how this decision works to benefit a consumer,” he added.
COPEC also warned against what it labelled as “too rigid assumptions” behind the decision to implement uniformed pricing, arguing that an OMC with older stock or lower volumes at a particular outlet may have legitimate reasons to “shave margins at that location” to remain competitive.
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA), has however dismissed suggestions that the decision effectively block price reductions altogether, maintaining that companies may reduce prices but should ensure that it reflects across their networks rather than only at some select outlets.
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