Road transport operators have suspended a planned 30 per cent increase in transport fares as they await the outcome of the next fuel pricing window expected on Friday.
The operators had earlier announced plans to adjust fares in response to rising fuel prices but have temporarily shelved the move following an appeal by government, which says it is implementing measures to reduce the cost of petroleum products.
Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, said the decision to suspend the proposed fare increase was reached after discussions between the union’s leadership and 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.
Mr. Amoah, however, indicated that the union’s own assessment suggests fuel prices could increase 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 per cent 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 said the current cost of fuel continues to place a heavy financial burden on commercial drivers, noting that diesel is selling at about GH¢17.78 per litre, while petrol is retailing at approximately GH¢14.95 per litre.
According to him, the rising cost of fuel has significantly reduced drivers’ earnings and made it increasingly difficult for many transport operators to remain profitable.
Mr. Amoah added that some drivers have stopped operating on certain routes because the returns no longer justify the operating costs.
“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 says it will review the situation after the next fuel price adjustment before deciding whether to proceed with the proposed fare increase.
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