Accra (Greater Accra), 9 Jan.,

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) today decided to retain transport fares in spite of the 2.99 percent reduction in the price of premium petrol. A statement signed by the national chairman of GPRTU, Mr.. E.K. Gbedemah, said the decision was reached at a meeting of the national working committee of the union. It said the union appreciated the reduction in the price of petrol "but considering the (prices of) other inputs, the committee has decided to retain the present lorry fares." The union asked all Regional Secretariats to ensure that members stick to the existing fares and should not hesitate "to deal drastically" with any member who increases fares. The Tema Oil Refinery on New Year's Day cut the price of petrol because of a fall in the World Market Price of the commodity. It retained the prices of diesel and kerosene.

Gri.