Road transport operators have suspended their plan to increase transport fares by 30%, saying they will await the outcome of the next petroleum pricing window, expected on Friday.
The decision follows an appeal by government, which asked for more time to implement measures aimed at reducing fuel prices.
The Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, said the union’s leadership agreed to temporarily suspend the proposed increment after discussions with government.
“Yesterday, my leadership informed us that when they met, government asked us to hold on because they are working on measures to ensure fuel prices come down,” he said.
The group had announced the planned 30% increment amid persistent increases in the price of fuel over the last few months.
The reasons for the fuel price adjustments have varied over that period, with the main driver being changes in prices on the international market as a result of the US-Iran war. Exchange rate pressures and importation costs have also had an effect on the adjustments.
Even after suspending the planned increase, Amoah said the union’s assessment suggests fuel prices could rise further in the next pricing window.
“Our investigations have proved to us that even in the next pricing window, fuel prices are likely to go up again. So we are still holding on to the decision on the proposed 30% increment,” he stated.
He said diesel is currently selling at about GH¢17.78 per litre, while petrol is retailing at approximately GH¢14.95 per litre a situation he said is affecting drivers’ earnings.
Amoah said some commercial drivers have been forced to stop operating on certain routes because the income they generate is no longer enough to cover fuel costs and other expenses.
“There are areas that drivers don’t even want to ply because when they go and return, they make no meaningful income. That is the challenge we are facing now,” he explained.
The union is expected to review its position after Friday’s fuel price announcement before deciding whether to proceed with the proposed fare increase.