The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has indicated that transport fares could be reviewed in the coming days if the expected rise in fuel prices takes effect in the next pricing window.
The union says the potential fuel price hike could put added pressure on commercial drivers, prompting transport operators to adjust lorry fares to cope with the rising operational costs.
The announcement comes ahead of the second fuel pricing window, scheduled to start on Monday, March 16, which industry analysts say could see increases across petrol, diesel, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) prices nationwide.
According to recent industry data, the price floor for petrol has risen to GH¢11.57 per litre, up from GH¢10.46 per litre between March 1 and 15. Diesel has also surged to GH¢14.35 per litre, from GH¢11.42 per litre, while LPG is now GH¢10.67 per kilogramme, compared with GH¢9.38 per kilogramme in the previous pricing window. Overall, these adjustments represent increases of GH¢1.11 for petrol, GH¢2.93 for diesel, and GH¢1.29 for LPG within the month.
Speaking to Accra-based Citi TV, GPRTU’s Industrial Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, explained that transport operators are already feeling the strain from high operational costs.
“You know we work for profit, and for some time now prices have remained the same. Some of our people even went out of their way to increase their prices, but we were able to stop them. This indicates that they are looking for a change in the prices of fares,” he said.
Mr Imoro added that aside from fuel, the cost of spare parts, lubricants, and other essential vehicle maintenance items has remained high, further impacting drivers’ expenses.
“We spoke about the prices of spare parts, lubricants and other things we use on our cars, but their prices have remained high. So these are the indicators we look at,” he noted.
He also emphasized that while the union does not immediately impose fare adjustments, an increase in fuel prices would likely prompt a review.
“We do not immediately impose a new fare, but if the price of fuel changes and it is upwards, everybody should expect a change in lorry fare,” Mr Imoro concluded.
