The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) says it is awaiting the nomination of a Minister-designate for Transport to proceed with talks on a possible fare adjustment.
GPRTU states that the threshold to warrant a fare adjustment has been met following recent fuel price hikes for the second consecutive time in January.
For instance, state-owned GOIL, which sold petrol at GH₵14.99 per litre during the first pricing window of the month, now retails it at GH₵15.29. Diesel prices at GOIL have also increased from GH₵15.60 per litre to GH₵15.77.
Shell has followed suit, increasing petrol prices from GH₵15.30 per litre to GH₵15.59, while diesel prices have risen from GH₵15.66 per litre to GH₵15.79.
The upward adjustments are attributed to rising crude oil prices on the global market and the depreciation of the cedi.
In an interview with Citi Business News, the Industrial Relations Officer for GPRTU, Abass Imoro, indicated that the union is awaiting a Transport Minister nominee before any talks over fare increases.
“If the President is going to choose a Transport Minister, then we will work with the transport ministry. So, we are still waiting to see if a Transport Minister is appointed, go through the vetting process, and if they are accepted, then, of course, we will write to [him/her]. Normally, that is what we have been doing—going to the Transport Ministry and dealing with them directly,” he said.
When asked if GPRTU is awaiting the appointment of a Transport Minister before pushing for fare increases, Abass Imoro responded, saying, “That is what we are waiting for because we are far above the 10% threshold that allows us to change transport fares.
“We have exceeded that, so we are still waiting… not rushing anyone or giving the impression that we are chasing somebody. We are waiting patiently.”
Additionally, GPRTU says it plans to hold discussions with relevant authorities, advocating for the removal of certain taxes on fuel to reduce its cost.
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