GPRTU signals possible fare hike over rising fuel prices
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has warned that another increase in fuel prices could make it difficult for commercial transport operators to maintain existing fares, as rising fuel and operational expenses continue to put pressure on drivers.
GPRTU Deputy Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, said the union would first assess the actual changes at fuel stations before deciding whether to adjust transport fares.
“We are on standby looking at what will happen at the pump before we take a final decision,” he said in an interview on Eyewitness News on Monday, August 31.
The Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has projected that petrol prices could rise by 4.80% and diesel by 2.10% from September 1, while LPG prices are expected to fall by about 1.50%.
The projected fuel price movements come after the government reduced the regulatory margin on diesel by GH¢2 per litre in August. The intervention led the GPRTU and other transport operators to suspend a planned 30% increase in fares.
Mr Amoah explained that the union had earlier encouraged drivers to maintain existing fares based on expectations that the government’s intervention would lead to lower fuel prices.
However, with fuel prices now not expected to fall, he said it could become increasingly difficult to persuade drivers against demanding higher fares.
He acknowledged the government’s intervention, saying the GH¢2 reduction had prevented diesel prices from rising even further.
However, Mr Amoah stressed that fuel is only one of several expenses incurred by commercial vehicle operators.
He cited rising prices of spare parts, lubricants, taxes, insurance and DVLA-related costs as additional factors increasing the cost of running commercial vehicles.
According to him, transport unions have an agreement with the government that permits a review of fares when fuel prices increase beyond a 10% threshold.
Mr Amoah added that since the previous 15% fare reduction, fuel prices and other operating costs have risen substantially.
“Looking at where we are now, we have even exceeded close to 40% increment,” he said.
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