Transport Operators to Meet Government Over Proposed 30% Fare Increase
Transport unions seek government intervention over rising fuel prices and spare parts costs before deciding on a proposed 30% increase in transport fares.
- Transport operators will meet the Ministry of Transport over a proposed 30% fare increase
- GPRTU says negotiations with government will determine the final fare adjustment
- COPEC urges government to restore fuel price intervention to ease pressure on commuters and transport operators
Commercial transport operators are expected to meet with the Ministry of Transport today, July 28, to discuss a proposed 30% increase in transport fares as rising fuel prices and the high cost of vehicle spare parts continue to strain the industry.
The meeting comes after transport unions called for an upward review of fares, arguing that the increasing cost of operating commercial vehicles has made current fares unsustainable.
During the engagement, the unions are expected to outline their concerns and seek government support to reduce the financial burden on transport operators before any final decision is taken on fare adjustments.
Ahead of the meeting, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, said the unions would first hear the government’s position before negotiating the proposed fare increase.
According to him, if the government is unable to introduce immediate measures to address rising petroleum prices, the unions will table their proposed 30% fare adjustment for discussion.
“If the government believes there is nothing it can do about the high cost of petroleum products, we will present our proposed percentage for negotiation. Whatever agreement we reach will be communicated to our members,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has appealed to the government to reinstate the fuel price intervention introduced during the peak of the Middle East crisis.
COPEC said the previous intervention significantly reduced fuel prices, easing the burden on transport operators, motorists, businesses and commuters.
Executive Secretary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah, warned that diesel prices are once again nearing GH¢18 per litre, a development that could further increase transport operating costs if no intervention is introduced.
He recalled that the earlier fuel price relief reduced diesel prices by GH¢2 per litre and petrol prices by GH¢2.09 per litre, urging the government to restore the policy to cushion consumers against rising fuel costs.
