Ghana’s Commercial Transport Operators have announced a 30 percent increase in transportation fares across the country. This increase in fares takes effect from Monday, January 22.
According to the Commercial Transport Operators, the increase in transport fares boils from the ongoing increase in lubricant costs brought on by changes in the world oil market, drivers who depend largely on oil to maintain the efficiency of their cars are bearing a heavy financial burden.
In addition, they highlighted increment of DVLA charges also being a cause of the increase in fares.
“The continuous surge in lubricant prices, driven by fluctuations in global oil markets, has resulted in a considerable burden on drivers who rely heavily on oil to keep our vehicles running efficiently,” the commercial operators said.
The transport operators also revealed that, a comprehensive consultation with various stakeholders and agents has been conducted before reaching this decision.
Prior to this, the GPRTU had also hinted on increasing transport fares by 60 percent to coincide with the Emission Levy Bill.
The Emission Levy Bill by government seeks to encourage the use of ecologically favorable energy sources for vehicle power. This is also in line with its commitment to carbon offset programs and climate-positive efforts.
However, the GPRTU has petitioned the Speaker of Parliament to rethink the Emission Levy Bill as it would increase the tax burden of the union.
Abbas Imoro, GPRTU’s Public Relations Officer said “We are already paying for the emission, 10 pesewas for a litre. So you can imagine 10 pesewas by 4.5 for a gallon by several gallons you use a day times 26 working days in a month. You can imagine how much one driver pays for it. And we pleaded with parliament that they should have a second look at it.”
“But we did indicate that if nothing is being done or nothing can be done about it, then of course we have other problems as well. We will package ourselves and come out with an upward adjustment of lorry fares not less than 60%,” he added.