GPRTU and Oil Marketers respond to revised fuel levy rollout

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has cancelled its planned strike over the newly introduced GH₵1 fuel levy. The strike, which was supposed to begin on Tuesday, June 10, was called off after a meeting with the Ministry of Energy.

Speaking on Joy News’ The Pulse on Monday, June 9, Samuel Amoah, Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, said the decision to suspend the protest came after the union received more information about the levy from the Energy Ministry.

“The strike action has been suspended based on a meeting the (GPRTU) leadership had with the Ministry just this afternoon,” he said.

The union had earlier spoken out against the levy, saying it would increase the financial pressure on drivers and transport business owners who are already struggling with rising costs. However, Mr. Amoah explained that the meeting helped the union better understand why the government introduced the levy. The government said the goal is to ensure steady fuel supply, keep the energy sector stable, and prevent power cuts.

Mr. Amoah said their main concern was that the levy might raise the cost of fuel at the pump. “Our issue is that we don’t want a situation whereby some amount of money is going to be added to the fuel product as we go to the pump to buy,” he explained.

Although the strike is no longer happening, he said the union will keep watching the situation and continue engaging with the government to protect the interests of its members.

Meanwhile, the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has welcomed the government’s decision to change the start date of the GH₵1 Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy (ESSDRL) from June 9 to June 16.

COMAC had earlier criticized the original date, calling it unfair and rushed. They described it as an “institutional ambush” because the notice was sent during a public holiday and over a weekend without enough time for preparation.

In a new statement on June 8, COMAC thanked the Ministries of Energy and Finance, the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) for their cooperation.

“Following our consultations and collaborative efforts, we are pleased to announce our alignment and satisfaction with the revised implementation date,” said Dr. Riverson Oppong, CEO and Industry Coordinator of COMAC. He said the delay shows the importance of communication and partnership.

COMAC had asked for a two-week adjustment period to allow oil companies to update their pricing systems and logistics. With the levy now starting on June 16, COMAC says it’s ready to work with the government for a smooth rollout under the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Act, 2025 (Act 1141).