The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has postponed again the implementation of a new Tariff Interpretation Order (TIO) related to the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), originally scheduled to take effect on June 16, 2025.
The initial June 16 postponement from the earlier date of June 9 was a result of resistance by some players in the energy sector, particularly the Coalition of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC).
In an official circular dated June 13, 2025, and signed by the Commissioner-General of the GRA, Mr. Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, the authority cited a directive from the Minister of Finance following consultations with key stakeholders as the basis for the postponement. The order, referenced as TIO No. 2025/004, would have increased the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL) on selected petroleum products.
“This directive is issued to postpone the implementation date of Tariff Interpretation Order (TIO) No. 2025/004 relating to the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141). This follows a directive from the Minister of Finance, after consultations with stakeholders,” the notice stated.
The circular further noted that a new effective date for the implementation will be announced at a later time. The directive was communicated to all ports and stations across the country.
Although the GRA did not provide specific reasons for the sudden postponement, policy analysts have linked the move to recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. The standoff has heightened fears over global crude oil supply disruptions, leading to volatility in international petroleum markets.
Economic observers suggest that the government may be reassessing the timing of the levy increases to cushion consumers and businesses from potential external shocks. Increased fuel levies in the current global climate could amplify inflationary pressures and trigger public discontent, particularly if oil prices continue to surge.
The Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025, was introduced as part of government efforts to address shortfalls in the energy sector and accelerate the repayment of legacy debts. The now-postponed tariff adjustments were expected to generate additional revenue to support these objectives.
