Commercial transport fares may soon rise as the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) warns that persistent fuel price hikes and soaring operational expenses are stretching drivers to their limits.
Speaking on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s Nyankonton Mu Nsem, GPRTU Deputy Public Relations Officer Samuel Amoah explained that the union previously urged drivers to freeze fare increases, anticipating relief from government interventions. However, with fuel costs remaining high and the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) projecting a 4.80% rise in petrol and a 2.10% increase in diesel starting September 1, the union’s position is becoming untenable.
Although the government’s August reduction of GH¢2 per litre on the diesel regulatory margin temporarily halted a planned 30% fare adjustment, Mr. Amoah stressed that fuel is only one factor in a broader financial squeeze.
“Every component that we are using has gone up. Spare parts are very, very high. Lubricants are high. Taxes, insurance, DVLA—all of them have gone up. We are witnessing so much pressure from our members, and we can no longer contain it.
That is why we have taken the decision to meet and take action over the matter. We did not see any reduction in the price window for August, so we have no option but to increase the fares. COPEC has also made some projections, and those will also form part of our decision. When we had our 15% reduction and check where we are now, we have exceeded close to a 40% increment.
Because the fuel prices are not coming down, it will be very, very difficult for us to go back again to convince our drivers not to increase transport fares,” he said
Under an existing agreement with the government, transport unions may adjust fares whenever fuel costs fluctuate past a 10% threshold. According to Mr. Amoah, cumulative price shifts have already surpassed this limit.
The union will monitor pump prices following the latest projections before officially determining the new rates.
Mr. Amoah cautioned that non-GPRTU drivers act illegally when implementing unauthorized fare hikes, confirming that once official adjustments are approved, the GPRTU will deploy a task force to enforce strict driver compliance across the country.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
