Transport operators are expected to meet with the Ministry of Transport on Tuesday, July 28, to discuss a proposed 30% increase in transport fares amid rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of vehicle spare parts.
The meeting follows calls by transport unions for an upward review of fares, with operators arguing that the current cost of running commercial vehicles has become unsustainable.
The unions are expected to present their concerns to the government and explore possible measures to ease the financial pressure on transport operators.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has urged the government to consider reinstating the fuel price intervention introduced during the peak of the Middle East crisis, saying the measure helped cushion consumers and businesses against rising petroleum prices.
According to COPEC, the intervention provided relief to transport operators, motorists and businesses by reducing fuel costs.
The Chamber warned that with diesel prices approaching GH¢18 per litre again, any further increase could place additional pressure on transport operators and commuters.
Speaking in an interview with Accra-based Citi FM ahead of the meeting, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, said the unions would first engage the government before deciding on the proposed fare adjustment.
He explained that if the government is unable to introduce immediate measures to address the rising cost of petroleum products, the unions will present their proposed fare increase for discussion.
“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,” he said.
Also speaking on the issue, Executive Secretary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah, appealed to the government to restore the fuel price intervention, recalling that the previous measure reduced diesel prices by GH¢2 per litre and petrol prices by GH¢2.09 per litre when global fuel prices surged.
He said reintroducing the intervention could help cushion transport operators and commuters against the current upward trend in fuel prices.
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