“WE’LL NOT HESITATE TO REDUCE TRANSPORT FARES IF NEED ARISES” – GPRTU
Transport union cites high operational costs despite fuel price decline; says spare parts, maintenance expenses prevent immediate fare reduction.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union has stated that recent reductions in fuel prices do not justify lowering transport fares, citing persistently high costs of vehicle maintenance, spare parts, and lubricants that offset any savings from cheaper fuel.
Speaking to Citi FM, GPRTU Public Relations Officer Abass Imoro emphasized that the union remains willing to reduce fares when favorable cost conditions emerge, but current operational expenses prevent immediate action.
“The last year 15% [transport fare reduction], nobody forced us. We saw the need of everybody,” Imoro stated, referencing last year’s voluntary fare cut. “Now there has been another reduction [in fuel prices]. All we are saying is if the need arises that we should decrease lorry fare further, we will do that without hesitating.”
The union representative highlighted that despite currency stability, key operational costs remain unchanged. “As we talk now, I am just coming from services. I went and bought oil. Last year, the oil S5 W30, which I have been buying at GH¢600 for 5 liters, is the same GH¢600.”
The GPRTU’s position follows calls from energy analysts and consumer advocates for transport operators to pass on fuel price savings to commuters, a request the union says overlooks the broader economic realities facing commercial drivers.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
