Transport operators are expected to meet with the Ministry of Transport on Tuesday, July 28, to discuss a proposed 30 per cent increase in transport fares amid rising fuel prices and the escalating cost of vehicle spare parts.
The meeting comes after transport unions called for an upward review of fares, arguing that the increasing cost of operations has made current transport charges unsustainable.
Union representatives are expected to present their concerns to government officials and explore possible interventions to ease the financial pressures facing the sector.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has urged the government to reintroduce the fuel price intervention implemented during the peak of the Middle East crisis. According to the Chamber, the measure previously helped cushion consumers and businesses from rising petroleum prices.
COPEC warned that diesel prices are once again approaching GH¢18 per litre, a development it says could place additional strain on transport operators, businesses and commuters if left unchecked.
Speaking to Citi FM ahead of the meeting, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, said transport unions would first engage government on the rising cost of petroleum products before pushing for a fare adjustment.
“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.
The Executive Secretary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah, also called on the government to restore the fuel price intervention, noting that the previous policy reduced diesel prices by GH¢2 per litre and petrol prices by GH¢2.09 per litre during a period of sharp increases in fuel costs.
The outcome of Tuesday’s meeting is expected to determine whether transport fares will be adjusted in the coming weeks and what measures, if any, the government will introduce to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices on the transport sector.
