We’ll increase transport fares from April 13 even if you don’t like it

Following hikes in fuel prices, which have hit GHS14.75 per litre, private transport operators have disclosed they will increase transport fares from April 13, 2024, even if the government and passengers don’t like it.

About a month ago, transport operators hinted at a 30% increase in transport fares; however, the government intervened and reversed their decision, but with new price hikes, it looks nearly impossible for the government to convince operators.

Two of the unions that have already disclosed their intentions are the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana and the Transport Operators of Ghana. They have jointly announced a fare increase, effective Saturday, April 13, 2024.

According to the unions, the decision stems from the recent increase in petroleum prices.

They detailed the following adjustments in a statement issued on Monday, April 8: a 15% increase for short-distance or intracity transport, a 20% increase for long-distance or intercity transport, a 15% increase for taxi services, and a GH10.00 to GH15.00 increase for short-distance taxi hire services.

Both organizations underscored that their operations are being negatively impacted by the current economic climate, which has necessitated fare adjustments in order to maintain their businesses.

“Twenty percent (20%) for intercity or long-distance transportation, fifteen percent (15%) for taxi service, and an increase in fare from GHC ten to GHC fifteen for short-distance taxi hire services.”

“As the majority of Ghanaians may have observed, the government appears apathetic towards any reduction in the price of petrol, vehicle spare parts or lubricants.” Furthermore, the exacerbation of living conditions for transport proprietors and drivers can be attributed to various factors, including the current economic challenges, as stated in an excerpt from their press release.

READ: Transport fares increase by 30% effective March 7

As a consequence of the National Petroleum Authority’s (NPA) determination to reinstate the Price Stabilisation and Recovery Levy suspension for petroleum products, outlet prices for petroleum products in Ghana have risen.

The NPA imposed the following surcharges on oil marketing and distribution stakeholders: 14 pesewas per kilogramme of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), 16 pesewas per litre for petrol and 14 pesewas per litre for diesel, as stated in a directive issued on Wednesday, April 3.

Subsequently, GOIL, the state-owned oil marketing company, implemented price adjustments for petrol and diesel, bringing their respective values down to GH¢14.15 and GH¢14.74 per litre.

These price modifications became effective on April 4, Thursday.