The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has rescheduled the implementation of the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy from June 9 to June 16, 2025, following opposition from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), which deemed the measure coercive and operationally unfeasible.
In a press release dated June 8, COMAC acknowledged the engagement with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, the Ministry of Finance, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), and the GRA, describing the discussions as “constructive.”
“Following our consultations and collaborative efforts, we are pleased to announce our alignment and satisfaction with the revised implementation date,” said Dr. Riverson Oppong, CEO and Industry Coordinator for COMAC.
He further noted that the development “reflects the value of dialogue, partnership, and engagement among stakeholders.”
COMAC had previously requested a two-week transition period to enable Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to adjust pricing mechanisms, restructure logistics, and prepare for compliance.
They argued that the abrupt implementation would hinder cash-and-carry marketers from effectively managing the sudden taxation on fuel stocks slated for lifting on June 9.
A GRA representative, speaking to Citi News, confirmed the revised date. “The association has concerns with the 9 June implementation date. We have discussed with their leadership in the spirit of cordiality and partnership and have agreed a new start date of 16 June.”
Under the new levy structure, petrol (motor spirit, super) and diesel (gas oil) prices will increase from GHS0.95 and GHS0.93 per litre to GHS1.95 and GHS1.93, respectively. Marine gas oil and heavy fuel oil will also be affected, while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will retain its previous rate of GHS0.73.
Products lifted before June 9, 2025, will be charged the old levy rates, while all cash-and-carry transactions from the revised implementation date onward will attract the adjusted levies.
Despite industry resistance, the government maintains that the levy is essential for the financial recovery of Ghana’s struggling energy sector.