In response to the recent surge in fuel prices, the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana and the Transport Operators of Ghana have jointly announced a forthcoming increase in transport fares effective Saturday, April 13, 2024.
The two unions revealed in a joint statement issued on Monday, April 8, 2024, that short-distance or intracity transport fares will see a 15 per ent increase, while intercity or long-journey transport fares will rise by 20 per cent. Additionally, taxi services will experience a 15 per cent hike, with short distance fares escalating from GH¢ 10.00 to GH¢ 15.00.
The decision, according to the associations, stems from the government’s purported lack of intervention in reducing fuel prices, as well as the escalating costs of vehicle spare parts and lubricants amidst prevailing economic challenges.
“We have observed a concerning indifference from the government towards reducing petrol prices, vehicle spare parts, and lubricants. These economic difficulties are exacerbating the living conditions of transport owners and drivers,” the statement reads.
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The announcement comes in the wake of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), retracting its decision to suspend the Price Stabilization and Recovery Levy (PSRL) on petroleum products’ price build-up. In a letter dated April 3, 2024, and addressed to stakeholders in the oil marketing and distribution sector, the NPA directed the application of 16 pesewas per litre on petrol, 14 pesewas per litre on diesel, and 14 pesewas on every kilogram of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
Following suit, GOIL has adjusted its petrol and diesel prices to GH¢14.15 per litre and GH¢14.74 per litre, respectively.
Meanwhile, Abbas Ibrahim Moro, the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, has indicated that discussions on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, among transport operators to assess the situation and later meet the transport ministry to negotiate a reasonable fare adjustment.
“Our leadership has called for a meeting coming this Wednesday of which we shall meet as operators to look at the necessary situation ahead of us of which from there, we will meet the transport ministry to come up with a reasonable upward adjustment. We will use this media to plead with our colleague drivers to take it easy. ”
“Anytime fuel prices are being increased, immediately we start buying at that high cost. They should take it easy. We are seriously working around the clock to come up with something reasonable, which will make our work a little flexible for us.
“We urge our fellow drivers to remain calm. We are actively working towards a solution that will alleviate the burden on both drivers and commuters,” Moro stated.