The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has made adjustments to the rollout of the contentious Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy after facing strong opposition from oil marketing firms.
Initially set to begin on June 9, the GHC1-per-litre levy has been met with pushback from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), which expressed concerns regarding its timing and the potential burden on consumers through rising fuel prices.
In a conversation with Citi News, the GRA announced that, following discussions held “in the spirit of cordiality and partnership,” a new implementation date of June 16 has been established.
“The Association raised concerns about the June 9 start date. After dialogue with their leadership, we have agreed to a new start date of June 16,” the GRA commented.
This levy is part of the government’s strategy to address escalating debts in the energy sector. However, industry stakeholders argue that they were not sufficiently consulted and warn that the implementation could further destabilize the already fragile downstream petroleum market.
Under the new directive:
- Motor Spirit (Super Petrol): from Ghc0.95 to Ghc1.95
- AGO/Diesel and Marine Gas Oil (Foreign): from Ghc0.93 to Ghc1.93
- Marine Gas Oil (Local): from Ghc0.03 to Ghc0.23
- Heavy Fuel Oil (Residual Fuel Oil – RFO): from Ghc0.04 to Ghc0.24
- Partially Refined Oil (Naphtha): from Ghc0.95 to Ghc1.95
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) remains unchanged at Ghc0.73
The new rates apply to all petroleum products not lifted before June 16, 2025.
However, transitional arrangements have been put in place:
- Products lifted by a Petroleum Product Marketing Company (PPMC) before June 16 will still be subject to the old levy rates.
- Any “cash-and-carry” transactions by PMMCs, for which products are 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 and urged all ports and fuel stations to strictly comply.
