The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has given the government a two-day deadline to scrap taxes on petroleum products or risk a nationwide increase in transport fares.
According to Samuel Amoah, the union’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, the ultimatum follows a sharp rise in fuel prices and mounting operational costs for transport operators. Speaking in an interview on the AM Show, Amoah stressed that failure by the government to act would leave the union with no choice but to adjust fares.
“We came up with this release and gave the government two days to do something about it,” Amoah stated. “If they fail to address the increment, then we have no option but to organise ourselves to request an increase in transport fares for our members.”
The warning comes after the National Petroleum Authority announced new ex-pump price floors for April 1 to April 15, with petrol set at a minimum of GHS 13.30 per litre and diesel at GHS 17.10 per litre. This marks a significant increase from the previous pricing window, where petrol and diesel were priced at GHS 11.57 and GHS 14.35 per litre respectively.
The surge in fuel prices has been linked to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Following the United States’ military action against Iran on February 28 under “Operation Epic Fury,” global oil markets have experienced volatility. Retaliatory strikes and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have driven crude oil prices above $100 per barrel, representing an increase of over 26 percent—from $86.2 to $109.23 per barrel.
Additionally, the depreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar—from GHS 10.91 to GHS 11.05—has contributed to the rising cost of fuel.
Amoah highlighted that fuel is not the only challenge facing transport operators. He noted that spare parts, insurance premiums, and vehicle licensing costs have all increased significantly. For instance, insurance for “printer” buses has risen from GHS 933 to GHS 1,194, while Toyota minibuses now pay GHS 995, up from GHS 837. He also indicated that penalties imposed by the DVLA for late insurance renewal have more than doubled.
The union is expected to hold internal consultations to determine a proposed fare adjustment, which will then be submitted to the Ministry of Transport for approval. However, Amoah emphasized that the situation ultimately hinges on government intervention.
“What the government and the president are saying is something they can’t control right now, but the transport operators may be forced to act,” he said.
