^{STORY: PRINCE OBIMPEH / WWW.NEWSMANGH.COM}

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has warned that transport fares could increase again if the latest rise in fuel prices continues to put pressure on commercial transport operators. The union says it is closely monitoring developments at fuel stations and will decide whether to review fares based on the actual prices motorists encounter at the pumps.

GPRTU Deputy Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, said the union was waiting to assess the impact of the projected fuel increases before taking a final decision. His comments follow a projection by the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) of a 4.80% increase in petrol prices and a 2.10% rise in diesel prices from September 1, while LPG prices are expected to fall by about 1.50%.

The latest development comes after the government introduced a GH¢2 per litre reduction in the regulatory margin on diesel in August, prompting the GPRTU and other transport operators to suspend a planned 30% fare increase. However, Mr Amoah said the union had initially asked drivers to hold off on fare hikes in the expectation that fuel prices would decline following the government’s intervention.

According to him, it is becoming increasingly difficult to convince drivers to maintain existing fares as the cost of operating commercial vehicles continues to rise. He cited soaring prices of spare parts and lubricants, as well as increases in taxes, insurance and DVLA-related expenses, arguing that fuel is only one component of the overall cost burden facing transport operators.

Mr Amoah further disclosed that transport unions have an understanding with the government allowing fares to be reviewed when fuel prices cross a 10% threshold. He said fuel prices had already increased significantly since the previous 15% fare reduction, with the cumulative movement approaching 40%, raising concerns that commuters could soon be forced to pay more for public transport if the trend continues.