Accra: The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) warns that increasing fuel prices and other expenses are placing severe pressure on their livelihoods. Current industry figures show that the indicative price floor for petrol has risen to GHS11.57 per litre, up from GHS10.46 recorded earlier this month. Diesel has also experienced a sharp increase, moving from GHS11.42 to GHS14.35 per litre, while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has climbed from GHS9.38 to GHS10.67 per kilogramme.
According to Ghana Web, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoh, stated that the continuous rise in fuel prices is making it challenging for drivers to sustain their businesses. Fuel costs represent a significant portion of the expenses incurred by commercial transport operators, and any increase immediately affects their profitability.
Meanwhile, the cost of spare parts has also risen in recent months, placing an additional burden on vehicle owners and operators. Consequently, the GPRTU has indicated that transport fares may soon be reviewed upward as fuel prices are projected to rise in the next pricing window.
The second fuel pricing window was scheduled to take effect on Monday, March 16. Pump prices could increase nationwide, a development likely to place additional pressure on commercial transport operators. Transport operators are already under financial pressure due to rising costs associated with maintaining their vehicles.
The Industrial Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Abass Imoro, mentioned that if the price of fuel increases, a change in lorry fares should be expected. As fuel prices are projected to rise in the next pricing window, transport fares may soon be reviewed upward. Analysts predict that pump prices could increase nationwide.