The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has issued a strong warning to the government, calling for the removal of taxes on petroleum products within two days or risk a nationwide increase in transport fares.
The union says the recent surge in fuel prices is placing significant pressure on transport operators, making current fare levels unsustainable.
Deputy Public Relations Officer Samuel Amoah indicated that failure by the government to intervene could compel operators to adjust fares to reflect rising operational costs.
“We have given the government a short window to address the situation. If nothing is done, we will have no option but to begin processes toward increasing transport fares,” he stated.
The warning follows the announcement of new fuel price benchmarks by the National Petroleum Authority, which set petrol at a minimum of GH¢13.30 per litre and diesel at GH¢17.10 per litre for the first half of April.
The new rates mark a sharp increase from the previous pricing window, further intensifying cost pressures across the transport sector.
Beyond fuel, the union highlighted a range of additional financial burdens affecting its members, including rising costs of spare parts, higher insurance premiums, and increased vehicle licensing charges.
According to the union, insurance costs for commercial vehicles have seen notable hikes, while penalties related to delayed renewals have also escalated.
These cumulative pressures, the union argues, are pushing operators to the brink and making fare adjustments increasingly unavoidable.
The GPRTU has indicated that it will convene internally to assess the situation and, if necessary, submit a proposal for fare increases to the Ministry of Transport for approval.
However, the union maintains that decisive government action—particularly on fuel taxes—could avert the need for such measures.
With fuel prices continuing to rise, the coming days are expected to be critical in determining whether transport fares will be adjusted nationwide.
