Omanghana
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has warned that commercial transport fares could soon increase as operators struggle with rising fuel prices and other operational expenses.
Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, disclosed that the union is closely monitoring fuel prices ahead of the September pricing window before making a final decision on fares.
Speaking on Eyewitness News, Amoah explained that fuel represents only one part of the financial pressure facing transport operators. Prices of vehicle spare parts, lubricants and other maintenance products have increased considerably, while insurance premiums, taxes and Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority fees have also risen.
According to the union, these increases have made it increasingly difficult for commercial drivers and vehicle owners to maintain existing fares without suffering financial losses.
Transport operators had earlier suspended a proposed 30% fare increase after the government introduced a temporary reduction of GHS 2 per liter on diesel regulatory margins in August.
The intervention was expected to provide some relief at the pumps and reduce operating expenses. However, the GPRTU said the anticipated sustained decline in fuel prices had not occurred, making it difficult for operators to continue absorbing the additional costs.
Amoah noted that an existing operational arrangement with the government allows transport fares to be reviewed whenever changes in fuel prices exceed a 10% threshold.
He claimed that cumulative fuel price increases recorded since the last reduction in transport fares had reached nearly 40%, far above the agreed threshold for initiating a review.
The union is therefore awaiting developments during the September fuel pricing window before deciding whether to proceed with a fare adjustment.
Projections from the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies suggest that petrol prices could rise by approximately 4.80% from September 1, 2026, while diesel may increase by about 2.10%.
Liquefied petroleum gas prices, however, are projected to decline marginally by 1.50%.
The GPRTU maintained that any decision to increase fares would take into account the full range of expenses incurred by transport operators, rather than fuel prices alone.
A fare increase could place further pressure on commuters already dealing with rising living costs, but transport operators argue that maintaining current charges may no longer be financially sustainable if fuel and other essential expenses continue to increase.
Source: Omanghana
