Transport operators suspend planned 30% fare hike pending fuel price review

Road transport operators have suspended a planned 30% increase in transport fares as they await the outcome of the next fuel pricing window expected on Friday. The operators had earlier announced plans to adjust fares in response to rising fuel prices but temporarily shelved the move following an appeal by government, which says it is implementing measures to reduce the cost of petroleum products. Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, said the decision was reached after discussions between the union's leadership and government. Mr. Amoah stated, "Yesterday, my leadership informed us that when they met, government asked us to hold on because they are working on measures to ensure fuel prices come down."

Mr. Amoah indicated that the union's own assessment suggests fuel prices could increase again during the next pricing window. He said their investigations proved that "even in the next pricing window, fuel prices are likely to go up again." He added that they are "still holding on to the decision on the proposed 30% increment" and will "wait until Friday to see what happens at the pumps before we decide on our next course of action." The current cost of fuel places a heavy financial burden on commercial drivers, with diesel selling at about GH¢17.78 per litre and petrol retailing at approximately GH¢14.95 per litre. The rising cost of fuel has significantly reduced drivers' earnings and made it difficult for many transport operators to remain profitable. Some drivers have stopped operating on certain routes because the returns no longer justify the effort.