The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has begun enforcing new levies on petroleum products following the implementation of the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), which takes effect today, July 16.
Initially scheduled for mid-June, the levy adjustments were deferred by a month to monitor international fuel prices and sustain recent domestic price stability.
In a statement signed by Acting Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, the GRA explained that the delay was necessary to conduct a review of global market trends.
The Authority has now confirmed that a final assessment of economic conditions has informed the decision to proceed, consistent with the government’s objective of maintaining macroeconomic stability.
Under the revised structure, the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL) on petrol has more than doubled — from GH¢0.95 to GH¢1.95 per litre. Diesel is now levied at GH¢1.93, up from GH¢0.93, while Marine Gas Oil (MGO) used by foreign vessels has also increased from GH¢0.93 to GH¢1.93. Locally consumed MGO will attract GH¢0.23, rising from GH¢0.03, and heavy fuel oil will now be levied at GH¢0.24 per litre, compared to the previous GH¢0.04.
Levies on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and naphtha remain unchanged at GH¢0.73 per litre, offering some relief to households that rely on LPG for cooking.
To facilitate the transition, the GRA has updated its Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) to automatically apply the new rates. Importers, distributors, and customs agents have been directed to comply fully with the revised charges.
“Your cooperation is vital to the successful implementation of this critical revenue measure, which is essential for Ghana’s energy sector stability and overall economic development,” the GRA noted. Circulars have been issued to all customs posts, ports, and petroleum service providers to guide implementation.
Meanwhile, prices of petroleum products have risen by approximately 9%, to GH¢12.88 per litre for petrol and GH¢14.38 per litre for diesel.