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Public Relations Officer for the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Yaro Kasambata says the effect of the recent upward adjustment in fuel prices is very insignificant thus Ghanaians need not unnecessary hit the roof.

Mounting a robust defence of the Authority’s decision to increase fuel prices by 9 percent, he pointed out that the figure may appear quite huge, but in monetary terms, the amount is insignificant to affect the pocket of Ghanaians.

Prices of petroleum products on last Saturday May 16, 2015 went up by 9 per cent and became effective on Sunday, 17th May, 2015.

Per the new prices, petrol will now be sold at Gh¢3.33 per litre while Diesel will be sold at Gh¢3.24 per litre.

A kilogram of LPG is expected to be sold at Gh¢2.88, MGO Local will go up Gh¢2.96.

Unified petroleum is expected to go up by 4 percent while kerosene will be up by 9 percent.

Moments after the increment was announced, quite a number of people including the 2016 Flagbearer for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Mr. Akufo-Addo and Founding President of Policy Think Tank, Imanai Ghana, Franklin Cudjoe, described it as insensitive and the timing of the fuel increment wide of the mark.

But responding to the criticisms, Yaro Kasambata stated on Okay Fm’s Ade Akye Abia Morning Show that the increases were to prevent another problematic build-up of subsidies which may affect the ability of bulk oil distribution companies to bring in petroleum products.

He again explained that “when you look at the price, you will see that the fuel price is only increased by 28 Pesewas; this is insignificant to affect the pocket of Ghanaians”.

“You can’t give your child 28 Pesewas to buy anything; what can 28 Pesewas buy in this country? And this is the amount added to the fuel price”, he stated this in telephone conversation with Kwame Nkrumah Tikese.