The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) is expected to release new transport fares by mid-week, the deputy minister of transport has assured.

Joyce Bawa-Mogtari has therefore called on commercial drivers to exercise patience and continue to charge the old fares in the face of “the surprise” increment in prices of some petroleum products.

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has announced a 9% increment in prices of some petroleum products. The adjustment takes effect Sunday, May 17, 2015.

Petrol is now selling at GHC3.33 from the current price of GHC3.5. Diesel will also be selling at GHC3.24 up from the current price of GHC2.97 per litre.

LPG is expected to be sold at GHC2.88 from the old price of GHC2.64. Unified petroleum and kerosene for mining firms are expected to go up by 4 per cent. However, premix fuel and RFO will not see any price adjustments.

Speaking to Accra-based Joy FM, Bawa-Mogtari opined stakeholders in the transport industry will be meeting on Monday, and was certain by Wednesday the new fares will come out.

She said she was aware the increment came as “a huge surprise” to drivers and Ghanaians, but government had to allow it due to the high cost involved in the importation of goods and services.

“A few things have changed and I do appreciate their [drivers] frustrations but by Wednesday things will stabilise after meeting all stakeholders,” Bawa-Mogtari stated.