The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has announced it is holding off on talks about a potential fare increase until a new Transport Minister is nominated. The union asserts that the recent fuel price hikes, marking the second consecutive increase in January, have met the threshold for an adjustment.

Fuel prices have spiked significantly this month, with state-owned GOIL raising petrol prices from GH₵14.99 per litre to GH₵15.29. Diesel prices at GOIL also saw an increase, from GH₵15.60 to GH₵15.77. Shell followed suit, pushing petrol prices up from GH₵15.30 to GH₵15.59, while diesel rose from GH₵15.66 to GH₵15.79. The increases are largely attributed to rising global crude oil prices and the depreciation of the Ghanaian cedi.

In an interview with Citi Business News, GPRTU Industrial Relations Officer Abass Imoro explained that the union is awaiting the nomination of a Transport Minister before proceeding with any formal requests for a fare adjustment. “Once the President nominates a Transport Minister, we will engage with the ministry, and, as usual, submit our proposal,” Imoro stated.

When asked about the delay in fare talks, Imoro confirmed that the union has already surpassed the 10% threshold typically required for fare increases. However, he emphasized that they are not rushing the process, preferring instead to wait for the new minister’s confirmation.

In addition to fare discussions, GPRTU also plans to advocate for the removal of certain taxes on fuel, which they believe would help reduce transportation costs.

Source:TheDotNews