By Benjamin Nii Nai Anyetei
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) says the recent decline in fuel prices does not automatically warrant a reduction in transport fares, citing persistently high operational costs faced by commercial drivers.
The union’s position follows growing calls from industry observers and energy think tanks urging transport operators to pass on savings from lower pump prices to commuters.
However, the GPRTU argues that despite the marginal reduction in fuel prices, the cost of essential inputs such as vehicle maintenance, spare parts, tyres and lubricants remains high, making any immediate fare reduction unsustainable.
Speaking on the matter, the Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Abass Imoro, said the union would only consider reducing transport fares when there is clear evidence of relief across major cost components affecting operations.
He recalled that the union voluntarily reduced transport fares by 15 percent last year without external pressure, as part of efforts to ease the burden on commuters.
“The last year 15 percent reduction, nobody forced us. We saw the need of everybody. The government came up trying to make Ghana laugh once again, and we also joined that train to make sure we gave the best that we could,” he said.
Mr Imoro noted that while fuel prices have seen another reduction, other critical costs have remained unchanged, limiting the impact of the fuel price drop on overall operating expenses.
“All we are saying is if the need arises that we should decrease lorry fares further, we will do that without hesitating. But we are talking about spare parts which have never been reduced,” he explained.
He illustrated the challenge by citing the unchanged cost of engine oil, despite improvements in exchange rate conditions.
“As we talk now, I am just coming from servicing. I went to buy oil. Last year, the oil S5 W30, which I have been buying at GH¢600 for five litres, is still GH¢600,” he stated.
Mr Imoro expressed concern that although the cedi has strengthened against the dollar, prices of key vehicle inputs have not responded accordingly.
“We are surprised the dollar has been reduced and some of these things that we thought were because of the dollar — no, it is not because of the dollar. The prices are still the same as they were,” he added.
He made the remarks during an interview with Citi FM, reiterating that the GPRTU remains open to fare reductions once overall operating conditions become favourable.
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com
