The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced a postponement of the new Tariff Interpretation Order (TIO) No. 2025/004, which pertains to the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141). This directive effectively delays the implementation of a new levy on selected petroleum products, which was originally scheduled to take effect on Sunday, June 16, 2025.
The decision to postpone the levy’s implementation comes directly from the Minister of Finance, following extensive consultations with various stakeholders, particularly the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC). This collaborative approach underscores the government’s commitment to considering the broader economic impact and public feedback on such fiscal measures, especially given the initial resistance from industry players regarding the timing and potential impact on fuel prices.
This new levy, informally dubbed the “D-Levy” or “Dumsor Levy” by the public, refers to a proposed GH¢1 per litre increase in the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL) on petroleum products. Parliament passed the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2025 (Act 1141), under a certificate of urgency on June 3, 2025.
The primary objective of this levy is to generate additional revenue, estimated at GH¢5 billion annually, to address the substantial debts within Ghana’s energy sector, which stood at an alarming $3.1 billion as of March 2025. These debts are owed to various entities, including Independent Power Producers (IPPs), State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and fuel suppliers.
Consequently, the anticipated increase in the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL) for specific petroleum products will not commence as initially planned.
This temporary relief for consumers and businesses alike will remain in effect until further notice from the authorities.
Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, in his official communication, assured the public that a new effective date for the levy’s implementation will be announced in due course. The GRA’s directive has been circulated to all ports and stations, as well as to key internal departments within the Customs division, ensuring widespread awareness and compliance with the postponement.
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