Transport unions are due to meet with the Ministry of Transport today, Tuesday, 28 July, to discuss a projected 30% rise in transport fees in the face of rising fuel prices and rising vehicle spare parts costs.
The conference comes after the unions demanded an increase in fares, claiming that transport companies are finding it difficult to handle rising operating expenses.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union’s (GPRTU) Deputy Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, told Citi News before to the meeting that the union’s next move will depend on how the engagement turns out.
He believes that if no quick steps are taken to reduce the growing price of petroleum products, the unions are ready to engage in negotiations with the government.
“They want to engage us and listen to what we have to say. If they believe there is nothing they can do about the high cost of petroleum products, we will lay our proposed percentage on the table for negotiation. Whatever agreement we reach, we will communicate to our members,” he said.
In the meantime, the Chamber of Petroleum customers (COPEC) has urged the government to bring back the gasoline price intervention that was put in place at the height of the Middle East crisis, claiming that it had previously protected customers from sharp rises in petroleum costs.
According to Duncan Amoah, Executive Secretary of COPEC, the temporary subsidy greatly reduced fuel prices and lessened the financial burden on drivers, companies, and transportation operators.
He noted that the Chamber asked to the government to step in when diesel prices reached around GH¢18 per litre, which led to a decrease of GH¢2 per litre for diesel and GH¢2.09 per litre for petrol.
“We are appealing to the government to reintroduce that intervention because diesel is once again approaching GH¢18 per litre, and indications are that prices could rise even further,” he said.
The conclusion of today’s meeting is anticipated to decide whether the government will implement policies to protect operators from growing fuel prices or whether transport fares will be changed in the days ahead.
Source: newsthemegh.com