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The various transport unions in thecountry have directed their members
not to increase transport fares until next month.
Despite a 9% increment in some petroleum products effective Sunday May
17, 2015, commercials drivers have been admonished by their leaders to
maintain the existing fares for the rest of the month.
The call was made in a joint statement signed by the General Secretary
of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, Stephen K. Okudzeto, and
General Secretary of Ghana Road Transport Co-ordinating Council,
Alhaji Aliyu Baba.
"Following the recent increase in the price of petroleum products, all
transport operators are being informed not to increase transportfares
pending the midyear review of transport fares which is scheduled for
June, 2015."
The unions also said the new fare is being stayed to enable them take
into consideration other components that go into the running of
commercial road transport services.
Per the new prices, petrol will nowbe selling at Ȼ3.33 per litre from
the previous Ȼ3.05, while diesel which was previously sold at Ȼ 2.97
will be selling at Ȼ3.24.Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) willnow be
selling at Ȼ2.88 from an old price of Ȼ2.64. MGO Local which was sold
at Ȼ2.96 will go up to Ȼ2.96. Price of premix fuel and RFO, however,
remain unchanged.
A statement from the Chief Executive of National Petroleum Authority,
Mr. Moses Asaga explained the increment has become necessary to
forestall shortages of the products at the fuel stations.
"The increment is the direct result of increases in the world market
price of the various commodities. Between February 2015 and now, there
has been a 37% change in the price of Petrol, 26% in diesel and 43% in
LPG."
This had led to an increasing rate of unpaid under recoveries or
subsidies, amounting to about GH¢146 million, which is causing serious
liquidity challenges for theBulk Oil Distribution Companies (BDCs).
If not checked, this can lead to fuel shortages at the pumps and its
attendant effects on productivity."
Credit: Myjoyonline.com
