Transport unions are expected to meet with the Ministry of Transport today, Tuesday, July 28, to discuss a proposed 30 percent increase in transport fares amid rising fuel prices and the escalating cost of vehicle spare parts.
The meeting follows calls by the unions for an upward adjustment in fares, arguing that transport operators are struggling to cope with increasing operational costs.
Speaking to newsmen ahead of the meeting, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, said the outcome of the engagement will determine the union’s next course of action.
According to him, the unions are prepared to negotiate with the government if no immediate measures are announced to address the rising cost of petroleum products.
“They want to engage us and listen to what we have to say. 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.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has called on the government to reinstate the fuel price intervention introduced during the peak of the Middle East crisis, arguing that the measure previously helped shield consumers from steep increases in petroleum prices.
Executive Secretary of COPEC, Duncan Amoah, said the temporary subsidy significantly lowered fuel prices and eased the financial burden on transport operators, businesses, and motorists.
He recalled that when diesel prices climbed close to GH¢18 per litre, the Chamber appealed to the government to intervene, resulting in a reduction of GH¢2 per litre on diesel and GH¢2.09 per litre on petrol.
“We are appealing to the government to reintroduce that intervention because diesel is once again approaching GH¢18 per litre, and indications are that 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 introduce measures to cushion operators against rising fuel costs.
