Upper West G.P.RTU wants dialogue on fuel prices

The Upper West Regional Secretariat of Ghana Private Road Transport Union (G.P.R.T.U) has called for regular dialogue with transport operators and the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) to manage negative effects of erratic fuel price increases.

The Union has therefore urged NPA to adopt a way of involving the leadership of various transport unions in an open discussion anytime there was the need to adjust fuel prices upwards.

Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Wa, the Regional Senior Industrial Relations Officer of G.P.R.T.U., Alhaji Nuhu Mahama, expressed concern that the oil market had seen series of fuel price increases in recent times without corresponding adjustment in transport fares.

He challenged stakeholders to note that any slight change in petroleum prices automatically affected operational cost in the transport sector adding that already transport operators were battling with high cost of spare parts, lubricants and renewal of insurance certificates which are often little known to the travelling public.

“When fuel prices are increased, it goes on to affect other operational costs of vehicles, and examples are spare parts, lubricants, roadworthy certification and other things,” Alhaji Mahama said.

He accused the NPA of secretly adjusting fuel prices upwards for several months which did not tally with transport charges.

“If that continues and care is not taken, we will be out of jobs”, he warned.