The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has assured the public that transport fares will be reduced if fuel prices drop to around ¢12 per litre.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Tuesday, March 18, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, explained the factors influencing fare adjustments and why a reduction has not yet been implemented despite the recent dip in fuel prices.

“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 revealed.

“But we decided to hold on because we had been promised that things would get better.”

While acknowledging that fuel prices have slightly decreased, he stressed that the reduction is not yet significant enough to warrant a fare cut.

“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 said.

Mr Amoah explained that fare adjustments are based on multiple factors beyond 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 fare increment and the fuel price at the time.

“If we check the previous time we increased transport fares, fuel prices were around ¢12 per litre, if I’m not mistaken. Now, diesel is about ¢15.49, and petrol is around ¢14.99,” he pointed out.

“We are praying that fuel prices drop to at least ¢12 per litre. If that happens, we will reassess the situation.”

However, he stated that even if fuel prices decline, spare part costs remain a major concern.

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

His comments shed light on the complexities of fare adjustments and the multiple economic pressures facing transport operators.

While GPRTU remains open to reducing fares, it insists that fuel prices must reach the ¢12 threshold before any meaningful decision can be made.