ACCRA – The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has postponed the implementation of the controversial Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy following significant pushback from oil marketing companies (OMCs). The levy, which introduces a new GHC1-per-litre charge, was initially slated to commence on Monday, June 9, but will now take effect on June 16, 2025.
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) had voiced strong objections to the levy’s original timing and its potential to inflate fuel prices and exacerbate consumer burden. Following discussions described by the GRA as being conducted “in the spirit of cordiality and partnership,” a revised start date was mutually agreed upon.
The GRA stated that COMAC expressed concerns with the June 9 implementation date, leading to the new agreement. The levy is part of broader government initiatives to address mounting debts within the energy sector. However, industry players argue they were not adequately consulted and fear the rollout could further destabilize the already volatile downstream petroleum market.
Under the revised directive, the levy on Motor Spirit (Super Petrol) will increase from GHC0.95 to GHC1.95 per litre, while AGO/Diesel and Marine Gas Oil (Foreign) will rise from GHC0.93 to GHC1.93. Marine Gas Oil (Local) will see an adjustment from GHC0.03 to GHC0.23, and Heavy Fuel Oil (Residual Fuel Oil – RFO) from GHC0.04 to GHC0.24. Partially Refined Oil (Naphtha) will also increase from GHC0.95 to GHC1.95, though Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) remains unchanged at GHC0.73. These new rates will apply to all petroleum products not lifted before June 16, 2025.
Transitional arrangements have been put in place to manage the shift. Products lifted by a Petroleum Product Marketing Company (PPMC) before June 16 will still be subject to the old levy rates. However, any “cash-and-carry” transactions by PMMCs for products lifted on or after June 1, 2025, will be subject to the new rates. Commissioner-General of the GRA, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, signed the directive, urging all ports and fuel stations to ensure strict compliance.
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