The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has assured commuters that transport fares will be reduced if fuel prices drop to GHC12 per litre.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, March 18, Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, addressed public concerns about the recent dip in fuel prices and why it has not yet led to a fare reduction.

“Before December, we were already considering increasing transport fares due to the high cost of spare parts, rising fuel prices, expensive lubricants, insurance, and DVLA taxes,” Amoah explained. “But we decided to hold on because we had been promised that things would get better.”

While acknowledging the recent fuel price reduction, he emphasized that it is not yet significant enough to warrant an adjustment in fares.

“Yes, we have seen the fuel price coming down a little bit, but it has not gotten to the level where it will call for a reduction in transport fares,” he stated.

According to Mr. Amoah, fare adjustments depend on several economic factors, not just fuel prices.

“We normally have a 10% threshold that we check on. We assess where the fuel price was and where it has gotten to, but we also consider other components like spare parts, lubricants, and various taxes,” he noted. “When deciding to either increase or reduce fares, our team goes to the market to assess these factors before making recommendations.”

He recalled the last time transport fares were increased and the fuel price at the time.

“If we check the previous time we increased transport fares, fuel prices were around GHC12 per litre, if I’m not mistaken. Now, diesel is about GHC15.49, and petrol is around GHC14.99,” he pointed out. “We are praying that fuel prices drop to at least GHC12 per litre. If that happens, we will reassess the situation.”

However, he cautioned that even if fuel prices decline, the high cost of spare parts remains a significant concern.

“Looking at where spare parts prices are now, it will be difficult for us to reduce transport fares immediately,” he added.