Transport operators are set to meet the Ministry of Transport on Tuesday, July 28, to discuss a proposed 30 per cent increase in transport fares amid 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 the cost of running their businesses has become unsustainable.
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The unions are expected to present their concerns to the government and negotiate possible measures to ease the financial burden on the transport sector.
The 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 said.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has urged the government to reintroduce the fuel price intervention implemented during the peak of the Middle East crisis, saying it helped cushion consumers and businesses against rising fuel costs.
COPEC noted that the previous intervention reduced diesel prices by GH¢2 per litre and petrol prices by GH¢2.09 per litre, providing relief to transport operators, motorists and businesses.
The Chamber warned that with diesel prices nearing GH¢18 per litre, further increases could place additional pressure on transport operators and commuters if no intervention is introduced.
