CEO of COMAC Dr Riverson Oppong
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has called for the immediate suspension of Section 136 of the Customs Act, 2026 (Act 1179), warning that the new tax collection arrangement could increase fuel costs and create supply risks.
In a statement issued on October 1, 2026, COMAC said the provision transfers the downstream petroleum tax obligation from Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and LPG Marketing Companies to Bulk Import, Distribution and Export Companies (BIDECs), which would account for taxes at the point of sale.
COMAC said the change shifts the tax collection point rather than addressing what it considers the underlying problem of enforcement of existing controls.
The Chamber expressed concern that BIDECs could require longer payment periods, potentially slowing the tax revenue collection cycle. It also warned that additional financing and guarantee costs could be passed on to consumers through higher pump prices.
COMAC further raised concerns about possible supply disruptions, arguing that placing a larger tax obligation at the bulk-supply level could create a single point of failure if a BIDEC is unable to meet its obligations.
The Chamber also cited what it described as legal uncertainty arising from different tax-payment triggers under Sections 126 and 136 of the Act.
COMAC said it was not consulted before the enactment of Section 136 and called for the retention of the existing framework, under which BIDECs pay import duties and port charges at importation while OMCs and LPGMCs account for taxes and levies ex-pump.
The Chamber also called for investigations into system overrides that allegedly allowed operators to exceed approved credit limits, as well as clarification on 819.25 million litres of unaccounted petroleum products, which COMAC said could have a revenue implication of about GHS2.5 billion based on its FY2025 analysis.
It also requested information on 10 diesel tankers impounded in October 2025 and clarification on the granting of non-bonded status to three operators.
COMAC said it expects the Ministry of Finance to announce a suspension of Section 136 within 14 days, failing which it will convene an emergency general meeting to determine its next steps through administrative, regulatory and legal channels.
The Chamber said it remained committed to working with the government to strengthen compliance and revenue assurance under the existing framework.
