Commercial Transport Operators in Ghana have announced a 30 percent hike in transportation fares across the country, effective Monday, January 22.

This decision comes as a response to the operators' concerns about substantial increases in the costs of lubricants, spare parts, and DVLA service charges.

In an official statement, the operators emphasized the rising expenses within the public transportation sector, highlighting the challenges they face in maintaining their operational activities.

“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 drivers said in a statement.

Furthermore, the Transport Operators in Ghana underscored the mounting expenses related to spare parts, particularly those for maintenance and repairs. These rising costs have significantly impeded their ability to keep their vehicles in optimal condition.

The challenging situation has resulted in reduced operational efficiency and increased periods of vehicle downtime, negatively impacting both drivers and the general commuting public.

Recognizing the adverse effects of these challenges, the Transport Operators Association disclosed that they have engaged in extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including relevant state agencies and other transport associations.

They clarified that the proposal for a fare increase is driven by the need to address the financial hardships faced by drivers and to ensure the sustainability of Ghana's public transportation industry.

This decision also comes at a time when fuel consumers are told to anticipate relief at the pumps with a decrease in diesel and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) prices, marking the second consecutive drop in January.

COPEC Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah pointed to current international market trends as the reason for the decline.

“Diesel prices dipped by roughly 2.8% per metric ton on the global market, while petrol experienced a slight increase of 3.6%. The cedi has remained relatively stable overall, although we’ve seen a 0.47-point dip in exchange rates,” Amoah said.

He added, “Overall, what our expectation is that prices of petrol are likely to remain stable with a 1 percent upward adjustment.

“Diesel is likely to see some reduction while LGP is also likely to see some reduction effective Wednesday which is the second window for January.”