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Commuters may encounter elevated public transportation fares as the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) deliberates on a fare adjustment. This measure comes in response to an anticipated surge in fuel costs.
The Union’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, indicated that consultations are in progress. A determination regarding revised fares is anticipated by week’s end.
Fuel prices are projected to increase beginning tomorrow, with petrol expected to reach GH¢16 per litre. Additionally, diesel may potentially surpass GH¢19 per litre.
During an interview with Citi News on Tuesday, September 15, Mr Amoah stated that the projected escalation in fuel prices would likely necessitate a reassessment of transport fares.
“We received information indicating that fuel prices are likely to increase, presumably by tomorrow. We conducted preliminary investigations and confirmed this information to be accurate. This is not merely speculation,” he stated.
He noted that deliberations are currently underway. These include negotiations regarding a proposed 30% adjustment presently under review by the Transport Ministry.
“Consequently, if this cost increase materializes, the likelihood of implementing a transport fare increase becomes substantially elevated,” he remarked.
Mr Amoah noted that while the precise percentage remains undetermined, the adjustment could range between 25% and 30%.
“Even if the figure decreases, it is unlikely to fall below 25%,” he stated.
He assured commuters, however, that any revised fares would not be implemented immediately following an agreement.
“We will not announce an agreement today and implement it tomorrow. That will not occur,” he stated.
He elaborated that transport operators customarily provide passengers with a transition period to prepare before enforcing new fares.
“Typically, we provide a grace period for passengers to make necessary arrangements before implementation,” Mr Amoah explained.
Mr Amoah encouraged passengers to prepare for a potential fare increase as negotiations proceed.
“Passengers should therefore prepare themselves for a possible increase,” he concluded.
Source:citinewsroom.com