GPRTU Signals Possible Transport Fare Hike Over Rising Fuel Prices
Union says rising fuel costs and expensive vehicle maintenance could force operators to review transport fares.
- The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) says transport fares may be reviewed if fuel prices rise in the upcoming pricing window
- Industry data shows petrol, diesel and LPG prices have all increased significantly within the month, raising operational costs for transport operator
- GPRTU says high prices of spare parts, lubricants and vehicle maintenance items are adding further pressure on transport operators
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has indicated that transport fares could be increased if fuel prices go up in the next pricing window.
According to the union, a rise in fuel prices would likely force transport operators to review lorry fares in order to cope with increasing operational costs.
This comes ahead of the second fuel pricing window set to begin on Monday, March 16, with industry analysts projecting possible increases in pump prices nationwide.
Available industry data shows that the price floor for petrol has risen to GH¢11.57 per litre, up from GH¢10.46 per litre recorded between March 1 and March 15. Diesel has also seen a significant jump, moving from GH¢11.42 per litre to GH¢14.35 per litre. Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has increased to GH¢10.67 per kilogramme from GH¢9.38 per kilogramme.
In total, the changes represent increases of GH¢1.11 for petrol, GH¢2.93 for diesel and GH¢1.29 for LPG within the same month.
Speaking in an interview, GPRTU Industrial Relations Officer Abass Imoro said transport operators are already feeling the impact of rising costs.
He explained that although fares have remained unchanged for some time, some drivers have attempted to increase their charges independently, a move the union had to intervene in.
Mr Imoro further noted that beyond fuel prices, transport operators continue to face high costs for spare parts, lubricants and other vehicle maintenance items.
He added that while the union does not immediately announce fare increases, any upward adjustment in fuel prices could eventually lead to a review of transport fares.
