GRA’s new fuel levy faces backlash as COMAC rejects “rambo-style” rollout

The announced implementation of the GHS1 per litre fuel levy by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has sparked strong opposition from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC), which described the rollout as “coercive” and an “institutional ambush.”

The GRA, in a Tariff Interpretation Order (TIO No. 2025/003) dated June 6 and circulated over the weekend, announced that starting Monday, June 9, a revised Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL) will apply to petroleum products. 

The levy, implemented under the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), aims to raise additional revenue to offset energy sector debts and stabilize power supply.

The new rates, which double the previous levies on key fuel products like petrol, diesel, and partially refined oil, are set to increase from GHS 0.95 to GHS 1.95 per litre for petrol and from GHS 0.93 to GHS 1.93 for diesel.

According to the GRA, the changes are “for strict compliance” and take effect immediately on all petroleum products “not lifted before the effective date of this order.”

But the directive has been met with fury from COMAC, which has accused the GRA of attempting to impose a major fiscal policy without adequate notice or stakeholder alignment.

In a letter addressed to the Commissioner-General dated June 8, COMAC wrote:

“We write to register our utmost dismay and strong objection to the letter received from your office this morning, Sunday, 8:00 AM, dated Friday, June 6, 2025, a public holiday. The letter demands implementation of the new Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL) effective Monday, 9th June 2025.”

COMAC described the move as a “Rambo-style directive in the middle of a weekend,” warning that such abrupt changes are both unlawful and operationally infeasible.

“Let us state the facts plainly: this approach is neither lawful nor operationally feasible. It smacks of coercion rather than governance and depicts a military regime.”

The group also revealed that they had met with the Minister for Energy and Green Transition just a day before the GRA order was dated, where they raised three key concerns—none of which were reflected in the implementation directive.

COMAC further pointed out that the downstream sector is already burdened with eight separate taxes and levies, representing 22% of the ex-pump price of fuel.

“The ESSDRL increment pushes this to 26%, threatening industry survival, competitiveness, and consumer welfare,” the statement said.

OMCs, particularly those operating on a cash-and-carry basis, have also raised alarm over their inability to immediately fund the increased tax burden on fuel stock that will be lifted starting Monday.

In a firm conclusion, COMAC declared:

“We therefore wish to state unequivocally: COMAC and its members cannot and will not begin implementation of this levy from Monday, 9th June.”

The industry body is calling for a minimum two-week transition period, proposing a new implementation date of June 16, 2025, to allow oil marketing companies to adjust their systems, prices, and inventory plans accordingly.