Road transport operators have postponed a proposed 30 per cent increase in transport fares as they await the results of the upcoming fuel pricing window anticipated on Friday.
The operators had previously announced intentions to modify fares in response to escalating fuel prices but have temporarily halted this decision following a request from the government, which states it is implementing strategies to lower the cost of petroleum products.
Samuel Amoah, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), stated that the choice to suspend the suggested fare increase was made after discussions between the union’s leadership and the government.
“Yesterday, my leadership informed us that when they met, government asked us to hold on because they are working on measures to ensure fuel prices come down,” he said.
However, Mr. Amoah noted that the union’s own evaluation indicates that fuel prices may rise again during the next pricing window.
“Our investigations have proved to us that even in the next pricing window, fuel prices are likely to go up again. So we are still holding on to the decision on the proposed 30 percent increment. We will wait until Friday to see what happens at the pumps before we decide on our next course of action,” he stated.
He mentioned that the current fuel prices continue to impose a significant financial strain on commercial drivers, highlighting that diesel is priced at approximately GH¢17.78 per litre, while petrol is retailing at around GH¢14.95 per litre.
According to him, the increasing fuel costs have drastically diminished drivers’ earnings and made it increasingly challenging for many transport operators to maintain profitability.
Mr. Amoah further added that some drivers have ceased operations on specific routes because the returns no longer justify the operating expenses.
“There are areas that drivers don’t even want to ply because when they go and return, they make no meaningful income. That is the challenge we are facing now,” he said.
The GPRTU states it will assess the situation following the upcoming fuel price adjustment before making a decision on whether to implement the proposed fare increase.
