Transport operators have suspended plans to increase transport fares by 30 percent after meeting with the Ministry of Transport over concerns about rising fuel prices and increasing operational costs.
The decision follows a closed-door engagement between transport unions and government officials ahead of the next petroleum pricing review scheduled for Friday.
The unions had earlier pushed for an upward adjustment in fares, arguing that the continuous rise in fuel prices, spare parts costs and other expenses was putting significant pressure on drivers and transport businesses.
However, after discussions with the ministry, the unions agreed to put the proposed fare increase on hold while monitoring government’s response to their concerns.
Speaking to Citi News after the meeting, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, said the unions are willing to engage the government further if no immediate measures are announced to cushion transport operators against the rising cost of petroleum products.
“The meeting was about the proposed transport fare increment before the increment of petroleum products and other components that we use to run our businesses. We explained things to the ministry, and they also gave us their word,” he said.
According to him, the unions appealed to government to work towards reducing fuel prices to ease the burden on transport operators.
“Our proposal was for the government to try to see to it that fuel prices will come down, and they told us that they have heard us and are working to ensure fuel prices will drop,” Mr Amoah added.
He noted that although the planned increase has been suspended, transport operators remain concerned about a possible rise in fuel prices during the next pricing window.
“So there was a long deliberation, but we finally agreed that we will hold off on the increase, but then our own investigation proved that we will likely see another fuel price increase in the next pricing window,” he stated.
Mr Amoah warned that any further increase in fuel prices could force the unions to return to the negotiating table with government.
“If it happens that the fuel price goes up again, we will still approach them because if it goes up again, it will be difficult for the drivers to contain the pressure,” he said.
The unions are expected to continue engagements with government as they await developments in the petroleum pricing review.
