GRA implements Fuel Levy increases today as government deepens austerity measures
The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) has announced that new adjustments under the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), will take full effect today, July 16, 2025—just a day after President John Dramani Mahama directed the cancellation of fuel allowances and allocations for all political appointees as part of sweeping austerity measures.
In an earlier statement signed by Acting Commissioner-General Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, the GRA confirmed that the levy’s implementation, originally scheduled for mid-June, had been deferred for a month to assess international market trends and preserve recent fuel price stability.
The Authority noted that the decision to proceed now follows “a thorough review of prevailing market indicators and in line with the government’s commitment to ensuring stable economic conditions.”
The revised rates represent hikes across petroleum products. The Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL) on petrol (motor spirit) has increased from GH¢0.95 to GH¢1.95, while diesel (gas oil) now attracts GH¢1.93, up from GH¢0.93. Marine Gas Oil (MGO) used by foreign vessels will also rise from GH¢0.93 to GH¢1.93. Locally consumed MGO will move from GH¢0.03 to GH¢0.23, and heavy fuel oil will now attract GH¢0.24, compared to the previous GH¢0.04.
However, the levies on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and naphtha remain unchanged at GH¢0.73 per litre, offering some relief to domestic consumers who depend heavily on LPG for cooking and household use.
The GRA said it had updated the Integrated Customs Management System (ICUMS) to automatically enforce the new rates. Importers, distributors, and customs agents have been instructed to fully comply with the revised levies.
“Your cooperation is vital to the successful implementation of this critical revenue measure, which is essential for Ghana's energy sector stability and overall economic development,” the GRA stated. Circulars have been distributed to all ports, customs stations, and petroleum service providers to ensure full compliance.
On July 15, the Presidency issued a directive ordering the immediate termination of all fuel-related benefits for political appointees in a bid to cut government spending.
“The President believes that leadership must also bear its part of the sacrifices it is calling on the people to make,” said Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President, in the official statement.
The latest directive follows earlier decisions to slash the number of ministers and staff at the Office of the President, as well as eliminate satellite television subscriptions for government offices—measures aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and fiscal discipline.
The combination of tax reform and expenditure cuts underscores the government’s stated commitment to stabilising the economy while ensuring the burden of recovery is shared across leadership and citizens alike.
