The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the government, demanding the removal of taxes on petroleum products or risking a nationwide increase in transport fares.
Speaking on the AM Show, the union’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, said the decision was driven by the recent surge in fuel prices and its ripple effects on transport operators.
“We came up with this release and gave the government two days to do something about it,” Amoah said.
“If they fail to do what this increment can, then we have no option but to organise ourselves to request an increment of transport fares for our members.”
The warning follows a new pricing directive from the National Petroleum Authority, which set minimum ex-pump prices for April 1–15 at GHS 13.30 per litre for petrol and GHS 17.10 for diesel. This marks a significant rise from the previous window, where petrol sold at GHS 11.57 and diesel at GHS 14.35 per litre.
The increase in fuel prices has been linked to heightened tensions in the Middle East, particularly after the United States launched military action against Iran under “Operation Epic Fury.” The conflict, along with retaliatory strikes and disruptions to the Strait of Hormuz, has pushed global crude oil prices above $100 per barrel, representing a sharp increase of over 26 percent.
In addition to fuel costs, Amoah highlighted other financial pressures on transport operators, including rising prices of spare parts, increased insurance premiums, and higher charges from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority. He noted that insurance costs for commercial vehicles have surged significantly, with some buses now paying hundreds of cedis more than before, while penalties for late insurance renewals have also increased.
The union plans to meet internally to evaluate the situation and propose new fares to the Ministry of Transport for approval. However, Amoah stressed that the final outcome largely depends on the government’s response to their demands.
“What the government, the president is saying is something they can’t control right now, but the transport operators may be forced to,” he explained.