Transport unions are set to meet with the Ministry of Transport today, Tuesday, July 28, to discuss a proposed 30 percent increase in transport fares as operators grapple with rising fuel prices and the high cost of vehicle spare parts.
The meeting comes after transport unions called for an upward review of fares, insisting that the growing cost of operating commercial vehicles has become unsustainable.
Speaking ahead of the engagement, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, said the discussions would determine the union’s next steps.
According to him, if the government is unable to introduce immediate measures to reduce the burden of rising petroleum prices, the unions will formally table their proposed 30 percent fare increase for negotiations.
“They want to engage us and hear our concerns. If they conclude that there is little they can do about the high cost of petroleum products, we will present our proposed percentage for negotiation. Whatever agreement is reached will be communicated to our members,” Amoah said.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has urged the government to restore the fuel price intervention introduced during the peak of the Middle East crisis, arguing that it previously helped cushion consumers against sharp increases in fuel prices.
COPEC Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah recalled that when diesel prices rose to nearly GH¢18 per litre, the Chamber appealed for government intervention, leading to a reduction of GH¢2 per litre on diesel and GH¢2.09 per litre on petrol.
He believes a similar intervention is now needed, warning that diesel prices are once again approaching GH¢18 per litre, with signs that further increases could be on the horizon.
“We are appealing to the government to reintroduce that intervention because diesel is once again nearing GH¢18 per litre, and indications suggest prices could rise even further,” he said.
The outcome of today’s meeting is expected to determine whether transport fares will be adjusted in the coming days or whether the government will announce measures to ease the financial pressure on transport operators.
