The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has postponed the implementation of the new Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL) to June 16, 2025, following strong pushback from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC).
The decision came after a series of engagements between the GRA, the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, the Ministry of Finance, the National Petroleum Authority, and COMAC, aimed at addressing industry concerns over the timing and potential disruptions of the new levy.
In a public statement, GRA confirmed the revised date during a media interaction, stating that “in the spirit of cordiality and partnership,” a new effective date of Monday, June 16, has been agreed upon. COMAC, in an appreciation letter issued today, welcomed the move and expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the consultations.
The chamber described the decision as a demonstration of meaningful stakeholder engagement and praised the relevant institutions for their commitment to a smoother and more sustainable implementation process.
The ESSDRL, originally slated for rollout on June 9, 2025, introduces a new levy of GHC1 per litre on select petroleum products. Under the updated rate structure, Motor Spirit (Super Petrol) will increase from GHC0.95 to GHC1.95, while AGO/Diesel and Marine Gas Oil (Foreign) will move from GHC0.93 to GHC1.93.
Other changes include a rise in Marine Gas Oil (Local) from GHC0.03 to GHC0.23, Residual Fuel Oil from GHC0.04 to GHC0.24, and Naphtha from GHC0.95 to GHC1.95. Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), however, remains unchanged at GHC0.73 per kilogram.
To ease the transition, the GRA has outlined key implementation guidelines. Petroleum products lifted before June 16 will be taxed under the old levy rates. However, any “cash-and-carry” transactions executed on or after June 1 but lifted after June 16 will attract the new rates.
The directive, signed by Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, instructs all petroleum marketing companies, ports, and fuel stations to adhere strictly to the new terms.
The controversy around the ESSDRL emerged when COMAC raised objections to what it described as a rushed and unilateral directive.
In a strongly worded statement rejecting the original June 9 rollout, COMAC insisted on a two-week transition period and accused authorities of pushing a “technocratic rush to impress.” It added that the downstream petroleum industry must not be treated as “bystanders” in the formulation of critical fiscal policies.
By Ruth Sekyi
