Transport operators are expected to meet officials of the Ministry of Transport on Tuesday to discuss a proposed 30% increase in transport fares, citing rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of vehicle spare parts.
The meeting follows calls by transport unions for an upward adjustment in fares, with operators arguing that escalating operational costs have made it increasingly difficult to sustain their businesses under current fare levels.
The unions are expected to present their concerns and negotiate possible interventions with the government to ease the financial pressures facing the transport sector.
Ahead of the meeting, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) 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.
COPEC said the previous intervention lowered fuel prices and provided relief to transport operators, motorists and businesses.
The chamber warned that diesel prices are once again approaching GH¢18 per litre, a development it said could further increase operating costs and place additional pressure on commuters if no intervention is introduced.
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 any 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 told Citi FM.
COPEC Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah also appealed to the government to restore the fuel price intervention, noting that the earlier measure reduced diesel prices by GH¢2 per litre and petrol prices by GH¢2.09 per litre during a period of sharp increases in global fuel prices.
The outcome of Tuesday’s meeting is expected to determine whether transport fares will be adjusted in the coming weeks.
