GPRTU urges drivers not to increase fares

Accra, Aug. 11, GNA - The National Executive Council of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) on Thursday decided not increase their existing lorry fares, in spite of the recent increase in the price of petrol and diesel by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA). The Council's meeting was held to appeal to various drivers to take into consideration the plight of the general public and to abide by the Council's decision to maintain the fares.

In a release signed by Stephen K. Okudzeto, General Secretary of the GPRTU, it appealed to their regional officers to urge their branches and local stations to act in accordance with the Council's directives. The statement gave the assurance that the existing lorry fares would be displayed at the various stations and asked the general public to co-operate.

The GPRTU said any problem encountered should be referred to either the Branch or the Regional Secretariats for redress. The NPA on Monday announced increases in the ex-pump prices of premium and diesel, but reduced the prices of kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Professor Ivan Addae-Mensah, Chairman of the NPA, said premium petrol would now sell at 6,777.78 cedis per litre from 6,666.66 cedis or 30,500 cedis per gallon from 30,000 cedis, an increase of 1.67 per cent. Diesel went up by 3.41 per cent from 5,866.66 cedis a litre to 6,066.67 cedis or 27,300 cedis a gallon from 26,400 cedis.

Kerosene went down by 8.33 per cent from 5,333.33 cedis a litre to 4,888.89 cedis or from 24,000 cedis a gallon to 22,000 cedis. LPG was also down by 9.26 per cent from 5,700 cedis a kilogram to 5,172.41 cedis. The 14.5 kilogram bottle now sells at 75,000 cedis from 82,650 cedis.