In a significant concession to industry pressure, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has delayed the implementation of the controversial Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy by one week, following fierce opposition from oil marketing companies across the country.
Originally set to take effect on Monday, June 9, the GH₵1-per-litre levy—part of the government’s plan to settle growing debts in the energy sector—drew immediate pushback from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COCMAC), who warned that the move would trigger a surge in fuel prices and worsen the economic burden on consumers.
After what GRA described as discussions held in “the spirit of cordiality and partnership,” the two parties agreed on a revised implementation date of June 16, 2025.
“The Association had concerns with the 9 June implementation date,” the GRA said in a statement. “We have discussed with their leadership… and have agreed a new start date.”
While the GRA maintains that the levy is essential for stabilizing the energy sector, stakeholders argue that the rushed approach and lack of proper engagement risk unsettling an already fragile downstream petroleum market. The revised levy rates include:
- Super Petrol: GH₵1.95 (up from GH₵0.95)
- Diesel/Marine Gas Oil (Foreign): GH₵1.93 (up from GH₵0.93)
- Marine Gas Oil (Local): GH₵0.23 (up from GH₵0.03)
- Heavy Fuel Oil: GH₵0.24 (up from GH₵0.04)
- Naphtha: GH₵1.95 (up from GH₵0.95)
- LPG: Remains unchanged at GH₵0.73
To ease the transition, the GRA has outlined exceptions: any petroleum products lifted before June 16 will attract the old levy rates. However, “cash-and-carry” transactions by Petroleum Product Marketing Companies (PPMCs) on or after June 1 will attract the revised levies.
The directive, signed by GRA Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, has been circulated to all relevant depots, ports, and retail outlets with a warning to strictly enforce the new implementation timeline.
The week-long reprieve marks a rare win for industry players, though consumers remain braced for inevitable price hikes when the levy kicks in next week.
