.jpg)
Transport Fare Hike: Transport Ministry to meet GPRTU over proposed 30% fare increase
The Ministry of Transport is expected to meet with transport unions, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), today, Tuesday, July 28, to discuss a proposed 30 percent increase in transport fares amid rising fuel prices and the escalating cost of vehicle spare parts.
Transport operators have been calling for an upward review of fares, arguing that the current rates no longer reflect the increasing expenses associated with running commercial vehicles.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, expressed optimism that the engagement with government officials would lead to a mutually beneficial outcome.
According to Mr. Amoah, the discussions will focus on whether the government can introduce measures to ease the burden on transport operators or permit negotiations on a fare adjustment.
“They want to engage us and listen to our concerns. If they conclude that there is little they can do about the rising cost of petroleum products, we will present our proposed percentage for negotiation. Whatever agreement is reached will be communicated to our members,” he told Citi News.
Transport unions insist that soaring fuel prices, together with the increasing cost of spare parts and vehicle maintenance, have placed significant financial pressure on commercial drivers, making a fare review unavoidable.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has appealed to the government to reinstate the fuel price intervention introduced during the peak of the Middle East crisis, noting that the policy previously helped cushion consumers against steep fuel price hikes.
COPEC Executive Secretary, Duncan Amoah, stated that the temporary intervention reduced diesel prices by GH¢2 per litre and petrol prices by GH¢2.09 per litre, providing relief for transport operators, businesses, and motorists.
He warned that diesel prices are once again nearing GH¢18 per litre and could rise further if no intervention is implemented.
“We are appealing to the government to reintroduce the intervention because diesel prices are once again approaching GH¢18 per litre, and indications suggest they could rise even further,” he said.
.jpg)
