The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has postponed the implementation of a new fuel levy meant to help repay debts in the energy sector. Originally set to start on June 9, the levy will now take effect on June 16, 2025.
The delay follows strong pushback from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), which warned that the GH₵1-per-litre charge could lead to higher fuel prices and put more financial pressure on Ghanaians.
In an interview with Citi News, a GRA official said the decision was made after talks with industry players.
“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 government plan to raise funds to cover debts and shortfalls in the energy sector. But industry players say they were not properly consulted and fear the move could harm an already struggling fuel market.
A directive signed by GRA boss Anthony Kwasi Sarpong outlines how the levy will apply to different fuel products. The new charges include:
- 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)
The levy on Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) stays the same at GH₵0.73 per kilogram.
The new rates will apply to all fuel lifted after June 16. However, products lifted before that date will still attract the old charges. The GRA has also said that “cash-and-carry” transactions made from June 1 onwards will be billed at the new rate, if the products are lifted after the new start date.
Commissioner-General Sarpong urged fuel stations, port authorities, and other players in the sector to fully cooperate to ensure smooth implementation of the changes.
