Transport unions, Transport Ministry to meet over proposed 30% fare hike

Transport unions are expected to hold talks with the Ministry of Transport today, Tuesday, July 28, over a proposed 30 percent increase in transport fares as operators cite rising fuel prices and the escalating cost of vehicle spare parts.

The meeting comes after the unions called for an upward review of fares, arguing that the continuous rise in operating costs has made it increasingly difficult for commercial transport operators to sustain their businesses.

Ahead of the engagement, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, said the discussions would determine the union’s next line of action.

He explained that if the government is unable to introduce measures to cushion transport operators against rising petroleum prices, the unions would formally table their proposed fare increase for negotiation.

“They want to engage us and listen to what we have to say. 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,” Mr. Amoah said.

Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has urged the government to restore the fuel price intervention introduced during the height of the Middle East conflict, saying the measure previously helped protect consumers from sharp increases in fuel prices.

COPEC Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah noted that the temporary intervention significantly reduced fuel prices and provided much-needed relief to transport operators, businesses and motorists.

He recalled that when diesel prices climbed to nearly GH¢18 per litre, the Chamber appealed to the government to intervene, resulting in a reduction of GH¢2 per litre on diesel and GH¢2.09 per litre on petrol.

“We are appealing to the government to reintroduce that intervention because diesel is once again approaching GH¢18 per litre, and indications are that prices could rise even further,” he said.

The outcome of today's meeting is expected to determine whether transport fares will be increased in the coming days or whether the government will introduce measures to cushion operators and commuters from the impact of rising fuel costs.