Consumers are to expect a reduction in transport fares if the price of fuel drops below GH¢12 per litre.

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) disclosed this while explaining that fares have not been reduced despite a decrease in fuel prices over the last few pricing windows.

The Deputy Public Relations Officer of GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, said the union was initially planning to increase the fares because the other factors that affect the price have been witnessing price hikes.

“Before December, we were already considering increasing transport fares due to the high cost of spare parts, rising fuel prices, expensive lubricants, insurance, and DVLA taxes. But we decided to hold on because we had been promised that things would get better.

“If we check the previous time we increased transport fares, fuel prices were around ¢12 per litre, if I’m not mistaken. Now, diesel is about ¢15.49, and petrol is around ¢14.99. We are praying that fuel prices drop to at least ¢12 per litre. If that happens, we will reassess the situation,” he stated in a myjoyonline.com report.

Samuel Amoah also said the reduction in fuel prices is not low enough to warrant a reduction in transport fares considering the fact that there are other variables in the price bracket.

“Yes, we have seen the fuel price coming down a little bit, but it has not gotten to the level where it will call for a reduction in transport fares. We normally have a 10% threshold that we check on.

“We assess where the fuel price was and where it has gotten to, but we also consider other components like spare parts, lubricants, and various taxes. When deciding to either increase or reduce fares, our team goes to the market to assess these factors before making recommendations,” Amoah added.

He also listed the cost of spare parts as a major reason it may be impossible to reduce transport fares yet.

“Looking at where spare parts prices are now, it will be difficult for us to reduce transport fares immediately,” he cautioned.

SSD/EB

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