By News Desk
Rising international petroleum costs and localized tax directives have converged to spark intense debate across Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, with industry groups issuing policy ultimatums as retail fuel prices edge upward.
In its October pricing window outlook, the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) projected that domestic fuel prices will experience upward adjustments, driven by global market movements and exchange rate fluctuations.
Under the projections, retail diesel prices could hit GH¢19.60 per liter at pumps across the country.
Tax Directives and Statutory Ultimata
Compounding price volatility at the pumps, COMAC has issued a strict 14-day ultimatum to the Ministry of Finance and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) demanding the immediate suspension of Section 136 of the revised Customs Act (Act 1179).
The Chamber warned that the newly introduced tax collection mechanism concentrates fiscal risk, creates operational bottlenecks, and threatens the continuity of nationwide fuel distribution.
“GRA would face an impossible choice: enforce and trigger a national supply shock, or forbear and allow arrears to balloon,” COMAC cautioned in its policy statement to government authorities. “Risk becomes concentrated, not reduced.”
Policy Interventions and Consumer Relief
To cushion consumers against steep pump increases, civil society and government mechanisms have stepped in with targeted interventions. The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) highlighted that the suspension of the GH¢1.00 D-Levy, alongside the extension of the government’s GH¢2.00 diesel subsidy for two additional months, provides crucial relief to motorists and commercial transport operators.
Commentator and Executive Director of COPEC, Duncan Amoah, noted that tax suspensions remain vital to keeping pump prices manageable for everyday consumers.
“The suspension of the GH¢1 D-Levy on fuel will go a long way to ease the impact of rising fuel prices on consumers,” Mr. Amoah emphasized. “It will go a long way to drive it down.”
Industry Alignment and Governance Reforms
Amid the policy standoff with fiscal authorities, indigenous petroleum marketer Star Oil Ghana Limited has announced its decision to rejoin COMAC. The company stated that its return aims to strengthen collective bargaining power during crucial policy dialogues while advocating internal governance updates within the industry body.
Star Oil stressed that unity among Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) is essential to navigate regulatory challenges and ensure fair market representation for all downstream operators.
As the 14-day deadline approaches, market players, transport operators, and consumers continue to monitor engagements between the Finance Ministry, the GRA, and downstream industry representatives to prevent potential supply disruptions and stabilize fuel pricing across the country.
