Recent increases in fuel prices have sparked conversations about potential fare increases for transportation, especially among Accra’s drivers.
They are putting pressure on other transport unions and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) leadership to formally declare fare rises.
Drivers contend that they are finding it more difficult to sustain their families and fulfill their financial obligations as a result of the rising cost of fuel.
Concerns about the rising costs of replacement parts and other operating expenses are also raised.
Kwabena Kakraba, a taxi driver at the Adabraka Cooperative Society station told Citi Business News:
“Sometimes we go home with bare hands because you cannot say you are not buying fuel. As long as you have moved the car, the car owner will take his or her sales. If you want to work with the car, you have to fill the tank. If you do all this and you don’t get anything for yourself.
“We plead with the mother union to increase the fare so that we can have that difference. If they increase by 20 or 15%, we will be okay, or let’s say 10 per cent,”
Some taxi drivers at Tesano have already started to examine their fares, even if the scenario isn’t present in every station. Previously charging GH₵10 for short journeys, taxi drivers are now demanding GH₵15.
In order to avoid additional fees, commuters are urging government officials to address the rise in fuel prices.
On July 8, the Concerned Drivers Union will discuss issues related to increases in fuel prices and how they affect transportation costs.
A liter of gasoline cost GH₵14.80 during the first pricing window of July due to recent fuel price hikes, while a liter of diesel cost GH₵14.92 at major oil marketing companies like Shell and Goil.
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