The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) says any decision to adjust transport fares will be taken when operating conditions allow, despite growing public pressure on transport operators to reduce fares following recent declines in fuel prices.
The union’s response follows renewed calls from energy sector analysts and industry observers urging transport operators to pass on savings from lower pump prices to commuters.
While acknowledging that fuel prices have eased in the latest pricing window, the GPRTU explains that the overall cost of operating commercial vehicles remains largely unchanged.
According to the union and its members, expenses such as vehicle maintenance, spare parts, tyres, lubricants, and financing costs are still high, limiting the possibility of immediate fare reductions.
The union argues that these persistent cost pressures continue to place a heavy burden on transport operators, even with some relief from fuel prices.
Speaking on the matter, GPRTU Public Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, said the union has a consistent record of reviewing fares whenever conditions improve.
He assured the public that transport fares will be adjusted promptly once there is clear and sustained evidence of reductions across key operational cost components.
He cited the 15 percent fare reduction in May 2025, which followed a significant improvement in operating conditions, including lower fuel prices, as proof of the union’s readiness to act when circumstances permit.
“The last year 15% [transport fare reduction], nobody forced us. We saw the need of everybody. The government came up trying to make Ghana laugh once again and we also joined that train that yes, we have to make sure we also give up the best that we could.
“Now there has been another reduction [in fuel prices]. All we are saying is if the need arises that we should decrease lorry fare further, we will do that without hesitating. We are talking about spare parts which have never been reduced.
“You see, these are some of the things. As we talk now, I am just coming from services. I went and bought oil. Last year, the oil S5 W30, which I have been buying at GH¢600 for 5 litres, is the same GH¢600.
“We are surprised the dollar has been decreased and some of these things that we thought it is because of the dollar, no, it is not because of the dollar. The prices are still the same as it was,” Abass Imoro said in an interview.
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) in recent times urged commercial transport operators, including ride-hailing platforms such as Bolt, Uber and Yango, to review their fares in line with the recent reductions in ex-pump fuel prices.
