GPRTU Gives Govt 48-Hour Ultimatum to Cut Fuel Taxes
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union has given the government a 48-hour ultimatum to remove taxes on petroleum products or risk a nationwide increase in transport fares.
Deputy Public Relations Officer of the union, Samuel Amoah, issued the warning in an interview, citing the latest surge in fuel prices and its ripple effects on transport operators.
“We have given the government two days to take action. If nothing is done, we will have no option but to organise and push for an upward adjustment in transport fares for our members,” Mr. Amoah said.
The warning follows the announcement by the National Petroleum Authority of new ex-pump price floors for the April 1–15 pricing window. Petrol is now pegged at a minimum of GHS 13.30 per litre, while diesel stands at GHS 17.10 per litre.
This marks a significant increase from the previous window, which ended on March 31, when petrol and diesel were priced at GHS 11.57 and GHS 14.35 per litre respectively.
The latest fuel price hikes have been linked to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, which have disrupted global oil supply chains and driven crude oil prices above 100 dollars per barrel. Analysts estimate that global crude prices have risen by over 26 percent within the current pricing period.
The situation has been compounded by the depreciation of the Ghana cedi against the US dollar, with the interbank rate weakening from GHS 10.91 to GHS 11.05 per dollar.
Mr. Amoah also highlighted additional cost pressures facing transport operators, including rising prices of spare parts, increased insurance premiums, and higher fees from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority.
According to him, insurance costs for commercial vehicles have surged sharply. For instance, premiums for “printer” buses have increased from GHS 933 to GHS 1,194, while Toyota minibuses now pay GHS 995, up from GHS 837. He added that penalties for late insurance renewal have more than doubled.
The union indicated that it will hold an internal meeting to evaluate the situation and submit a proposed fare adjustment to the Ministry of Transport for approval.
However, Mr. Amoah stressed that the outcome largely depends on the government’s response to the union’s demand.
He warned that while global factors may be beyond the government’s control, the burden on transport operators could ultimately force them to act.
