Commercial vehicle operators in the capital, Accra have raised concerns about an expected increase in fuel prices in the coming days.
Already a major player in the Fuel retail space, Total, has adjusted its prices upwards with petrol now selling at GHS6.8 and diesel GHS6.85. This is an increase from an earlier price of GHS6.65
The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers Ghana (COPEC) had a few days ago indicated that fuel prices could likely go up in the next couple of days by up to 20 pesewas.
Some drivers in the capital are very unhappy about the fact that they might have to pay more at the pumps soon.
One of such drivers is Kumi Sasraku who has been in the business since 1987 and operates from the 37-bus station.
He is a father of three children who currently are all unemployed and is concerned that “If I can’t earn, I can’t look after them so all depends on the fuel because my job is driving. If I don’t drive, I don’t earn and if I drive and I don’t earn anything then that means I can’t cater for my children.”
His colleague driver Isaac Akpagli also was concerned that “they normally increase the price of fuel but don’t increase the fare. This means we spend more on fuel and end up with nothing at the end of the day.”
COPEC However says the tables might turn before the end of the month.
The head of research at the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers Ghana, Benjamin Nsiah had stated that “…in the second window of January 2022 prices may drop if the Omicron variant is spreading and countries begin to restrict mobility and also OPEC and OPEC alliance increase their supply unto the market, it may drop the prices on the local front.”
The drivers had in December last year embarked on a strike that significantly affected commuters, especially in Accra.
It was as part of efforts to drum home their concerns about the frequent increases in the price of fuel in the country.
The government after meeting with the leadership of the driver unions came to a consensus that GOIL, the national and major Oil Marketing Company, would reduce its prices by 20 pesewas to ameliorate the plight of drivers while their concerns of a major reduction would be addressed in the 2022 midyear budget review.
However, GOIL in a press statement refuted the claims and indicated that it took the decision to reduce its prices entirely by itself.
Source: citibusinessnews.com