Fuel Price Cuts Alone Insufficient to Trigger Fare Reductions — GPRTU

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has indicated that a reduction in transport fares will only be considered when overall operating conditions improve, despite growing calls on transport operators to lower fares following recent declines in fuel prices.

This stance follows renewed pressure from energy sector analysts and industry watchers who argue that commuters should benefit from the recent drop in pump prices.

However, GPRTU insists that although fuel prices have fallen within the current pricing window, the general cost of running transport businesses remains largely unchanged.

The union, together with several commercial drivers, points out that major cost drivers such as vehicle maintenance, spare parts, tyres, lubricants and financing expenses continue to remain high, thereby limiting the possibility of immediate fare reductions.

According to GPRTU, these persistent cost pressures continue to place a heavy burden on operators, offsetting the relief gained from lower fuel prices.

Speaking on the matter, GPRTU’s Public Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, stressed that the union has a history of adjusting fares whenever operating conditions genuinely improve, and assured the public that fares would be reviewed promptly once there is clear and sustained relief across key cost components.

He cited the 15 per cent reduction in transport fares implemented in May 2025 as proof of the union’s readiness to act, explaining that the decision followed significant improvements in operating conditions, including fuel price cuts.

Mr Imoro noted that the recent fuel price reduction alone is not enough justification for a further fare decrease, especially as prices of spare parts and vehicle consumables have remained unchanged.

He expressed concern that despite the appreciation of the cedi, prices of items previously blamed on currency depreciation have not declined. As an example, he said the cost of engine oil he purchased recently remains the same as last year, even though economic indicators have improved.

Mr Imoro made these remarks in an interview with Citi Business News, emphasising that fare reductions would not be delayed once circumstances clearly warrant such action.

Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has renewed its call on commercial transport operators, including ride-hailing services such as Bolt, Uber and Yango, to review and reduce fares in response to the recent drop in ex-pump fuel prices.

COPEC’s year-on-year analysis further indicates that consumers are enjoying substantial savings in the current pricing window, with petrol and diesel prices falling by between GH¢3 and GH¢4 per litre compared to January 2025.