Fuel Levy Rollout Sparks Backlash from Oil Marketers; COMAC Demands June 16 Start Date

The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has firmly opposed the sudden implementation of the revised Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL), set to take effect on Monday, June 9, 2025.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), COMAC expressed “utmost dismay” at what it described as an abrupt and unworkable directive. The Chamber condemned the move as unlawful and disruptive, warning that it poses significant operational challenges for its members.

According to the letter, COMAC only received official notice at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, June 8—just one day before the levy’s scheduled enforcement. The letter also criticized the GRA for issuing the directive on a public holiday and delivering it over the weekend, labeling the approach as coercive and reminiscent of a “military regime.”

“This approach is neither lawful nor operationally feasible… Issuing a backdated directive on a holiday and serving it on a weekend for next-day compliance borders on institutional ambush,” COMAC stated.

The Chamber recalled a June 5 meeting with the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, where it had presented a three-point plan to ease the levy’s rollout. However, COMAC said the meeting felt “merely ceremonial,” as none of its proposals were considered.

COMAC warned that the revised levy will increase the tax burden on petroleum products from 22% to 26% of the ex-pump price. The Chamber fears this sharp rise will erode competitiveness, strain business operations, and ultimately hurt consumers.

A key concern is the limited lead time for Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to recalibrate pricing systems and manage stock, especially affecting “cash-and-carry” operators who had not anticipated the additional cost.

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

COMAC is calling for a minimum two-week transition period, with a new rollout date of June 16, 2025, to allow businesses sufficient time to adjust.

“We are industry stakeholders, not bystanders, and we deserve better than Rambo-style directives in the middle of a weekend,” the statement concluded.