Transport fare increase put on hold after government talks with GPRTU

Plans to increase transport fares have been put on hold following talks between the government and transport operators, despite the recent rise in fuel prices.

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) said engagements with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other transport groups have helped prevent an immediate increase in fares.

The development comes as commercial transport operators face higher fuel costs following recent increases in petrol and diesel prices.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express, NPA Chief Executive Godwin Edudzi Tamakloe said the government is concerned about the effect a fare increase could have on passengers.

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“I’m greatly worried,” he said, adding that the NPA and the Transport Minister have been engaging transport operators over the issue.

He acknowledged that fuel remains a major cost for commercial transport operators, alongside vehicle maintenance, spare parts, wages and insurance.

He said fuel has become the main source of recent cost pressures on operators, while some other costs have remained relatively stable.

“What has become impactful now has to do with the fuel price,” he stated.

According to him, the relative stability of the cedi has helped reduce foreign exchange pressures on transport operators, particularly on costs linked to imported items.

He added that government interventions aimed at reducing the impact of fuel price increases have also formed part of discussions with transport unions.

Tamakloe said the government has appealed to transport operators to absorb some of the current pressure rather than immediately pass the full cost on to passengers.

“So we have jaw-jawed with the various transport owners that there is a time for us to also bear the share,” he said.

He added that the discussions have helped put the proposed fare increase “on ice” for now.

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However, he acknowledged that some commercial drivers have gone ahead with fare increases without approval.

“There are a few recalcitrant ones that have decided to increase their prices arbitrarily,” he said.

For now, the broader planned fare increase remains on hold as the government and transport operators continue discussions over the impact of higher fuel prices.

DR/MA

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