Commercial drivers to increase transport fares over ‘high’ fuel price
Some commercial drivers in the country have threatened to increase transport fares over what they say is the high cost of fuel.
The leadership of the National Concerned Drivers Association wants the government to reduce the price of fuel at the pump. Failure to do so will leave them with no option than to increase transport fares on Monday.
The drivers say the adherence to social distancing protocols in their vehicles was adversely affecting their business.
The Vice-Chairman for the National Concerned Drivers Association, David Agboado says the government should consider reducing fuel prices, as crude oil price on the international market has fallen drastically to a record low, due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Now that the fuel is $19 per barrel, we are buying it at GH¢19.85 pesewas which don’t match at all. The government should tell the OMCs to reduce the price at least to GH¢10 per gallon.
“Dialogue is the first option, and that is why we are calling on the Ministry in charge of Transport and Ministry of Energy to sit [and discuss this] or we will increase the fares by Monday,” Mr Agboado said.
As part of measures to reduce the spread of coronavirus in Ghana, commercial vehicles are supposed to reduce the number of passengers they take on board their vehicles in adherence to social distancing protocols.
As of April 23, 2020, Ghana’s COVID-19 case count stood at 1,154 with 120 recoveries. Nine (9) others have so far died from the virus in Ghana.