Tema drivers unhappy with fuel price reduction

Some commercial drivers in the Tema Metropolis on Tuesday expressed dissatisfaction with the level of reduction in fuel prices by the government, suggesting that it was inadequate.

The National Petroleum Authority on Monday announced the reduction in fuel prices to reflect the downward adjustment of petroleum taxes as announced by Dr Kwabena Duffuor, Minister of Finance, in this year's budget statement.

A litre of premium which was being sold at 82Gp now sells at 77.9Gp, a litre of kerosene and a litre of gas oil now sells at 66.5Gp and 84.6Gp respectively, from 70Gp and 89Gp.

Other petroleum products whose prices were cut were marine gas, Liquefied Petroleum Gas and premix fuel.

Mr Edward Koranteng, Chairman of the Tema Industrial Area Taxi Union, told the Ghana News Agency that despite the reduction, motor lubricants such as engine oil and brake fluid, as well as prices of motor spare parts were continually going up, adding that these components must affect the fixing of lorry fares.

He called on the government to find lasting solution to stabilize the continuous depreciation of the country's currency against other major bills, adding that reducing fuel prices was not the real solution to the hardship of the people.

Meanwhile some passengers have commended the government for the reduction as according to them it was in the interest of the public.

A visit to some fuel stations in the metropolis showed that the prices of their products had been reduced to reflect the new prices.

GNA