The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has reassured the public that transport fares will be reduced if fuel prices fall to around ¢12 per litre.
This assurance was made by the Deputy Public Relations Officer of GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, during an interview.
Mr. Amoah shed light on the factors influencing fare adjustments, explaining why a reduction has not yet been implemented despite the recent dip in fuel prices.
“Before December, we were already considering increasing transport fares due to the high cost of spare parts, rising fuel prices, expensive lubricants, insurance, and DVLA taxes, but we decided to hold on because we had been promised that things would get better.”
While acknowledging the slight decrease in fuel prices, Mr. Amoah emphasized that the reduction is not yet significant enough to warrant a fare cut.
“Yes, we have seen the fuel price coming down a little bit, but it has not gotten to the level where it will call for a reduction in transport fares”.
He further explained that fare adjustments are based on multiple factors beyond just fuel prices.
“We normally have a 10% threshold that we check on. We assess where the fuel price was and where it has gotten to, but we also consider other components like spare parts, lubricants, and various taxes”.
Mr. Amoah also highlighted the challenges posed by the current cost of spare parts.
“Looking at where spare parts prices are now, it will be difficult for us to reduce transport fares immediately”.
Reflecting on the last fare increment, he recalled that fuel prices were around ¢12 per litre at the time.
“If we check the previous time we increased transport fares, fuel prices were around ¢12 per litre, if I’m not mistaken. Now, diesel is about ¢15.49, and petrol is around ¢14.99,” he pointed out.
Mr. Amoah cautioned that even if fuel prices decline, other factors such as spare part costs will continue to influence fare decisions.
