By Eugene Davis
Parliament has passed the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) (No.2) Bill, 2025, which increases the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy on marine gas oil. The aim is to enhance compliance, prevent product diversion, and strengthen support for the fishing industry.
A memorandum accompanying the bill cited significant revenue leakages undermining the fairness of government’s subsidy programmes—particularly those targeted at artisanal and commercial fishing. These leakages have allowed illicit actors to benefit from subsidies meant for genuine fisherfolk, distorting the intended impact and depriving the state of critical revenue.
To address this, government is reforming tax compliance in the petroleum downstream sector. Measures include eliminating the price differential between marine gas oil and other diesel products to prevent abuse.
While safeguarding revenue, the government reaffirmed its commitment to the fishing industry and announced a more targeted support mechanism to ensure subsidies reach intended beneficiaries without creating room for exploitation.
The amendment increases the levy on marine gas oil to 193 pesewas per litre, with collections to be made by the Ghana Revenue Authority into the Energy Sector Support Account. The funds will be used to offset energy sector shortfalls and legacy debts.
