Parliament passes Energy Sector Levies Bill to curb tax evasion

Parliament has approved the Energy Sector Levies (Amendment) Bill, 2026, introducing higher rates for the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy and the Road Fund Levy on fuel oil.

The government says the amendments are intended to seal loopholes in the administration of fuel subsidies and tackle tax avoidance practices within the downstream petroleum industry.

Presenting the Bill, Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson told lawmakers that some importers have been exploiting the system by importing diesel but declaring it as fuel oil to benefit from lower tax obligations.

According to him, the practice has deprived genuine industrial users of access to fuel oil while denying the state significant revenue.

The finance minister disclosed that the country lost an estimated US$25 million in the first half of 2026 due to the scheme. He warned that if the loopholes remain unaddressed, Ghana could forfeit nearly GH¢1 billion in revenue annually.