The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has delayed the rollout of a new fuel levy designed to help settle debts in the energy sector. Initially scheduled to take effect on June 9, 2025, the levy will now be implemented a week later, on June 16.
The postponement comes in response to strong opposition from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), which warned that the GH₵1-per-litre charge could drive up fuel prices and worsen the financial burden on consumers.
Speaking to Citi News, a GRA official confirmed that the decision followed consultations with industry stakeholders.
“The association raised concerns about the June 9 start date. We’ve had discussions in good faith and agreed to move it to June 16,” the official said.
The levy is part of a broader government initiative aimed at raising funds to address debts and financial shortfalls in the energy sector. However, industry participants argue they were not adequately consulted and warn that the new charges could further strain an already fragile fuel market.
A directive signed by Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong outlines how the revised levies will apply across various fuel types. The updated rates are as follows:
- Petrol (Super): GH₵1.95 per litre (up from GH₵0.95)
- Diesel and Marine Gas Oil (Foreign): GH₵1.93 per litre (up from GH₵0.93)
- Marine Gas Oil (Local): GH₵0.23 per litre (up from GH₵0.03)
- Heavy Fuel Oil: GH₵0.24 per litre (up from GH₵0.04)
- Partially Refined Oil (Naphtha): GH₵1.95 per litre (doubled)
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG): GH₵0.73 per kilogram (unchanged)
The new levy rates will apply to all fuel lifted from June 16 onward. However, any products lifted before that date will still be subject to the previous rates. The GRA also clarified that “cash-and-carry” purchases made on or after June 1 will be charged at the new rates if the fuel is collected after the new implementation date.
Commissioner-General Sarpong has called on fuel retailers, port authorities, and other stakeholders to cooperate fully to ensure a smooth rollout of the revised levy structure.
