The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has justified its decision to maintain current transport fares despite a minor reduction in fuel prices, emphasizing that fare adjustments are influenced by several cost elements beyond fuel.

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During an interview on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, March 18, GPRTU’s Deputy PRO, Samuel Amoah, highlighted that expenses related to spare parts, insurance, DVLA charges, and other operational costs significantly impact fare determinations.

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“Before December, we had plans of increasing transport fares—first, because of the high cost of spare parts; then, where the fuel price was also heading; and the cost of lubricants, insurance, and DVLA taxes,” Amoah stated.

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“But we held on, thinking that things would improve because of the promises we had that going forward, things were going to get better.”

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He admitted that fuel prices have decreased slightly but insisted that the reduction does not justify a fare decrease.

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“Yes, we have seen that fuel prices are coming down a little bit. But what I can say is that it has not gotten to the level that would call for a reduction in transport fares.”

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He acknowledged a slight drop in fuel prices but insisted that the decrease is not substantial enough to justify reducing transport fares.

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“Yes, we have seen that fuel prices are coming down a little bit. But what I can say is that it has not gotten to the level that would call for a reduction in transport fares.”

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Amoah also emphasized that fuel costs are just one of several key factors considered when reviewing fare adjustments.

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“We don’t only consider fuel prices to determine our transport fares,” he explained.

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“We have other components, like the cost of spare parts, as I earlier mentioned. We also consider the cost of lubricants, taxes, and other petroleum products.”

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He detailed the procedures the GPRTU adheres to when determining fare adjustments.

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“We normally have a 10% threshold that we check on,” he said. “We compare where the fuel price was and where it has gotten to.

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“Then, we send a team to the market to check where the prices of these other components have moved to. Based on their reports, we determine whether there should be a percentage reduction or an increment.”

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Amoah noted that the most recent fare increase was implemented when fuel prices hovered around ¢12 per litre.

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“If you check the previous time we increased transport fares, I believe the fuel price was around ¢12 per litre—I stand to be corrected,” he said.

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“Looking at it now, diesel is about ¢15.49, and petrol is about ¢14.99.”

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He emphasized that a decrease in fares would only be considered if there was a substantial decline in fuel prices.

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“We are praying that fuel should come down to at least around ¢12 per litre,” he stated.

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“If it comes down to that level, we will also check where the prices of spare parts have gotten to. But with the current cost of spare parts, it will be difficult for us to reduce transport fares.”

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His comments emphasize the intricate factors involved in adjusting transport fares, reiterating GPRTU’s position that fare reductions are influenced by more than just fuel prices, including various operational expenses faced by transport operators.

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