After days of intense back-and-forth, the government has agreed to postpone the implementation of the controversial Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL)—a move that has been warmly welcomed by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC).
In a press release issued Tuesday morning, COMAC confirmed that the new effective date for the levy is now Monday, June 16, 2025, instead of the earlier announced June 9. The revised timeline follows what the Chamber described as “constructive engagements” with the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition, Ministry of Finance, National Petroleum Authority, and the Ghana Revenue Authority.
The Chamber praised the government’s responsiveness, calling the decision “a reflection of the value of dialogue, partnership, and engagement among stakeholders.”
The announcement comes just a day after COMAC had vehemently rejected the government’s original timeline, describing the weekend issuance of a directive to begin implementation on Monday as “coercive” and “institutionally ambushing.”
The ESSDRL, which imposes a 1 cedi levy per litre on petroleum products to help pay down energy sector debts, sparked fierce backlash from industry players who warned that it would increase the cumulative fuel tax burden from 22% to 26% and endanger both business viability and consumer affordability.
In their earlier letter, COMAC insisted that a minimum two-week transition period was needed to allow Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to adjust prices, update systems, and prepare inventory. Their refusal to comply with the June 9 date set the stage for potential standoffs and disruptions in fuel distribution.
In this latest release, COMAC extended gratitude to all parties involved in the discussions, noting that the compromise will ensure a “smooth and sustainable implementation” of the new levy.
Dr. Riverson Oppong, CEO and Industry Coordinator of COMAC, signed off on the statement with a message of goodwill and appreciation for the government’s openness to reconsideration.
With the new implementation date now confirmed for June 16, industry players have one week to make the necessary operational adjustments. Analysts say the delay may help avert immediate fuel price volatility and preserve consumer confidence—though concerns remain over the longer-term impact of the new levy on inflation and business competitiveness.
Still, this outcome is being framed as a win for stakeholder engagement and responsive governance.
Whether future policy rollouts will take this approach to collaboration seriously remains to be seen—but for now, dialogue has prevailed over directive.
