The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has revised the implementation of the contentious Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy due to strong opposition from oil marketing companies. Originally set to take effect on Monday, June 9, the new GHC 1-per-litre levy faced rejection from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC). They expressed concerns about the timing of the levy and its potential impact on fuel prices and the burden it may place on consumers.
In a recent interaction with Citi News, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) confirmed that after discussions held in a spirit of cordiality and partnership, a new implementation date of June 16 has been agreed upon. The GRA stated, “The Association has concerns about the original implementation date of June 9. We have engaged with their leadership and agreed on a new start date of June 16.” This levy is part of the government’s measures to address mounting debts in the energy sector. However, industry players argue that they were not adequately consulted and that this rollout could further destabilise the already volatile 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.
By: Jonathan Adjei