Story by: Ishmael Barfi
Ghanaians are expected to pay 30% increment of fares to their various destinations across the country beginning today, Friday, 18th February, 2022.
According to Private Commercial Transport Operators, as a matter of urgency, the 30% increment is to prevent transportation enterprises from collapsing due to continuous increases in gasoline prices, according to the group.
In a statement issued on Thursday, 17th February, 2022, it lamented over the continuous increment of fuel at the fuel pumps daily.
“A gallon of gas that used to cost 27 cents at the pump has now risen to approximately 36 cents per gallon,” it bemoaned.
On Monday, February 7th, the Coalition of Private Transport Operators filed a proposal for a 30% increase in transportation fares to the Transport Ministry for review and approval which government rather proposed a 10% increase.
However, the Coalition rejected the government’s offer, claiming that a 10% increase would force them to close their doors.
Meanwhile, series of meetings with both parties have come to a successful conclusion that, today, Friday, 18th the government is due to meet with the Coalition.
According to Mr. Charles Danso, Chairman of the Ghana Committed Drivers Association, interestingly, fuel costs have been raised by roughly 30 pesewas per litre ahead of their meeting with government.
“A litre of fuel is currently being sold for $7.990 at some of the larger filling stations,” the group claims.
As a result, the Private Commercial Transport Operators has instructed its members to “apply the increase as soon as possible, beginning tomorrow, February 18th, 2022.”
Meanwhile, the Association has pleaded with its loyal clients to “be patient with us while we work to salvage our business, sustain it, and continue to provide you with important services.”
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
