The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has given the Ministry of Finance a 14-day ultimatum to suspend implementation of Section 136 of the Customs Act, 2026 (Act 1179), warning that the new tax-collection framework could raise operational costs and threaten fuel supply.
COMAC says the provision, which changes how downstream petroleum taxes are accounted for, could place additional financial and administrative pressure on businesses within the petroleum downstream sector.
Under Section 136, responsibility for accounting for downstream petroleum taxes is shifted from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and LPG Marketing Companies (LPGMCs) to Bulk Import, Distribution and Export Companies (BIDECs). The taxes are expected to be accounted for at the point of sale.
The Chamber has expressed concern over the potential impact of the new arrangement on the smooth supply and distribution of petroleum products.
In a statement, COMAC warned that the framework could “increase costs and create risks for fuel supply,” and has subsequently placed its members on alert as it awaits action from the Ministry of Finance.
COMAC further indicated that if the Ministry fails to announce a suspension within 14 days, it will convene an emergency general meeting to determine its next course of action.
The Chamber said the meeting would determine the next steps through what it described as “legitimate administrative, regulatory and legal channels.”
Meanwhile, the new framework allows the Commissioner-General of the Ghana Revenue Authority to defer payment of the applicable taxes for up to 21 days, subject to the provision of a bank guarantee.
COMAC is therefore urging the Ministry of Finance to suspend the implementation of Section 136 to allow for further engagement and consideration of the concerns raised by industry players.
The development could set the stage for further discussions between the government and petroleum industry stakeholders as both sides seek to address concerns surrounding tax administration without disrupting fuel supply or increasing costs for consumers.
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