The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association has dismissed claims that climbing spare parts costs are driving commercial transport operators’ plan to raise fares by 20 per cent starting June 2.
The Association stated that spare parts rates have held steady in recent months, rejecting assertions from the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other operators that higher operating expenses warrant the proposed fare change.
Speaking to Citi Business News, which was monitored by the Association’s Head of Communications, Takyi Addo, stressed there has been no price review across the spare parts market.
“Spare parts prices haven’t gone up at all. There’s 100% stability in the spare parts trade. Actually, the cedi’s strength against the dollar has instead helped maintain stable prices,” he said.
Mr. Addo noted that recent gains by the local currency and steady foreign exchange conditions have eased burdens on importers and sellers, making claims of broad spare parts inflation incorrect.“We disagree with the transport operators.
They shouldn’t say fares are rising 20 percent because spare parts have increased. That’s just not true. Traders are pleased with current market trends,” he stated. The Association also praised government’s handling of the economy and exchange rate, adding that the cedi’s relative stability over the past month has boosted operations in the spare parts sector.
Mr. Takyi Addo said while traders still push for lower taxes and other industry costs, present market conditions don’t back claims of major price surges.
“Ask me as the Association’s Head of Communications, there’s no spare parts price hike. We have market stability and things are fine now compared to earlier periods,” he emphasised.
He further urged transport operators to raise any cost concerns directly with government instead of blaming planned fare reviews on spare parts prices. The remarks follow moves by some commercial transport groups to lift fares by 20% from June 2, citing growing operational costs, including fuel and vehicle upkeep expenses.
