Transport unions are set to meet with the Ministry of Transport on Tuesday, July 28, to discuss a proposed 30 percent increase in public transport fares, citing the continuous rise in fuel prices and the high cost of vehicle spare parts.
The meeting comes after transport operators called for an upward review of fares, arguing that existing transport charges are no longer enough to cover their operating costs.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, said the discussions would help determine the union’s next steps.
He explained that the unions expect the government to present measures to help reduce the impact of rising fuel prices.
However, if no relief is offered, they will formally present their proposed fare increase for negotiations.
“They want to engage us and listen to what we have to say. If they believe there is nothing they can do about the high cost of petroleum products, we will lay our proposed percentage on the table for negotiation. Whatever agreement we reach, we will communicate to our members,” Amoah said.
The outcome of the meeting is expected to determine whether commuters will have to pay higher transport fares in the coming days.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has called on the government to restore the fuel price intervention introduced during the height of the Middle East crisis, saying the policy previously helped reduce the burden of rising fuel costs on consumers.
COPEC Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah said the temporary intervention lowered pump prices and provided relief for transport operators, businesses, and private motorists.
He recalled that when diesel prices climbed close to GH¢18 per litre, the Chamber appealed to the government to step in.
That intervention led to a reduction of GH¢2 per litre on diesel and GH¢2.09 per litre on petrol.
“We are appealing to the government to reintroduce that intervention because diesel is once again approaching GH¢18 per litre, and indications are that prices could rise even further,” he said.
Transport operators have consistently maintained that rising fuel prices, together with the increasing cost of spare parts and vehicle maintenance, have significantly pushed up the cost of running their businesses.
The outcome of today’s meeting will determine whether transport fares will be increased or whether the government will introduce measures to ease the financial pressure on operators and prevent the proposed fare hike.
