The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has postponed the implementation of a tariff adjustment that would have raised levies on selected petroleum products, following a directive from the Minister of Finance.
The planned increase, which was to take effect on June 16, 2025, under the Tariff Interpretation Order linked to the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), would have adjusted the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL). The GRA confirmed the deferment in an official notice signed by its Commissioner-General, Anthony Kwasi Sarpong.
“This is to inform all stakeholders that the implementation of the Tariff Interpretation Order has been postponed until further notice,” the statement read.
The move comes after engagements between the Ministry of Finance and key stakeholders in the energy and petroleum value chain. The Ministry’s decision to halt the process signals the government’s willingness to reconsider aspects of the levy structure amid growing industry apprehension.
Industry actors, including the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Ghana Link Network Services, and the Association of Oil Marketing Companies (AOMCs), were formally notified of the decision. The GRA also directed the Commissioner of Customs, sector commanders, and technical service heads across ports and fuel stations to comply with the new directive.
Although the GRA has not specified a new date for implementation, the announcement suggests that the government may be reconsidering the timing or scope of the levy adjustments amid broader concerns about cost-of-living pressures and operational challenges in the petroleum sector.
The Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL) was introduced as part of efforts to address financial gaps and outstanding liabilities within Ghana’s energy sector. However, any upward adjustment to the levy directly affects fuel pricing, which in turn impacts transport fares, goods, and services—areas already under strain due to economic challenges.
While the government has not publicly detailed the outcomes of the stakeholder consultations, the postponement suggests significant concerns were raised during the discussions.
The GRA has urged the general public and all relevant entities to remain alert for further communication regarding a new implementation timeline. The authority emphasized that it remains committed to supporting national revenue objectives while ensuring that fiscal measures are implemented in a consultative and orderly manner.
In the meantime, industry players and consumers alike may find temporary relief as the anticipated rise in fuel prices is held off—at least for now.
