Transport unions are meeting with the Ministry of Transport on Tuesday (28 July) to negotiate a proposed 30 percent increase in public transport fares, citing rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of vehicle spare parts.

The meeting follows demands by transport operators for an upward adjustment in fares, arguing that current transport charges no longer reflect the cost of doing business.

Ahead of the talks, the Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, said the engagement would determine the union’s next course of action.

According to him, the unions expect the government to outline measures to address the rising cost of petroleum products. If no intervention is announced, they will table their proposed fare increase for negotiation.

“They want to engage us and listen to what we have to say. If they believe there is nothing they can do about the high cost of petroleum products, we will lay our proposed percentage on the table for negotiation. Whatever agreement we reach, we will communicate to our members,” Amoah said.

The outcome of the meeting is expected to determine whether commuters will face higher transport fares in the coming days.

Meanwhile, the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has urged the government to restore the fuel price intervention introduced during the peak of the Middle East crisis, arguing that the measure previously helped cushion consumers against sharp increases in fuel prices.

COPEC Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah said the temporary intervention eased the financial burden on transport operators, businesses and motorists by reducing pump prices.

He noted that when diesel prices approached GH¢18 per litre, the Chamber appealed to the government to intervene, resulting in reductions of GH¢2 per litre on diesel and GH¢2.09 per litre on petrol.

“We are appealing to the government to reintroduce that intervention because diesel is once again approaching GH¢18 per litre, and indications are that prices could rise even further,” he said.

Transport operators have repeatedly argued that rising fuel prices, coupled with the increasing cost of spare parts and vehicle maintenance, have significantly increased their operating expenses.

The outcome of Tuesday’s meeting is expected to determine whether transport fares will be increased or whether the government will introduce measures to cushion operators and avert the proposed fare hike.