The government of Ghana has directed the suspension of the additional GH¢1 Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy, known as the D-Levy, on diesel for two months. This decision, effective from October 1 to November 30, 2026, was made through a directive to the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority. The suspension only applies to the additional GH¢1 component imposed on diesel under the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141).
The Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141), introduced the additional GH¢1 D-Levy on diesel. However, with the current suspension, the levy will not be collected for the specified two-month period. The directive emphasizes that all other levies, rates, and charges under the Energy Sector Levies Act, 2015 (Act 899), as amended, will continue to apply and be collected in accordance with the law. This means that only the specific GH¢1 D-Levy on diesel is suspended.
The Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority has been instructed to implement the suspension promptly and uniformly at all relevant collection points. The GRA is also required to notify the National Petroleum Authority, Oil Marketing Companies, Bulk Distribution Companies, and other relevant stakeholders about the suspension. This move aims to ensure a smooth implementation of the directive and minimize disruptions in the fuel distribution chain.
The suspension of the GH¢1 D-Levy on diesel comes at a time when fuel prices are expected to increase. The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) had projected significant increases in both petrol and diesel prices during the first pricing window for October. By suspending the levy, the government aims to cushion consumers from the rising fuel prices and provide some relief to them.
The government has assured that further instructions on the status of the GH¢1 D-Levy after the two-month suspension period will be communicated to the Commissioner-General in due course. This indicates that the suspension is a temporary measure, and the levy may be reinstated after the specified period. The decision to suspend the levy demonstrates the government's efforts to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on consumers.
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) had been vocal about the projected increase in fuel prices. Their projections suggested that consumers would face significant price hikes, which could have a ripple effect on the economy. The suspension of the GH¢1 D-Levy on diesel is expected to provide some relief to consumers and help mitigate the impact of the projected price increases.
The decision to suspend the GH¢1 D-Levy on diesel for two months is a welcome relief to consumers in Ghana. The move is expected to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices and provide some respite to consumers. As the situation unfolds, consumers and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the government responds to the fuel price dynamics in the coming months.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government suspends the GHC1 D-Levy on diesel from October 1 to November 30, 2026.
