Petrol is selling at an average GHS 16.21 per litre after an estimated 5% increase, prompting Ghana’s main commercial transport groups to request a formal review of public transport fares.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council submitted the request to the Ministry of Transport under the administrative framework used to determine fares.
Diesel has also risen by approximately 2.58%, from an average GHS 17.17 to GHS 17.61 per litre. The latest adjustments took effect on 1 September and also affected liquefied petroleum gas.
The transport organisations said discussions with the ministry would begin soon. They asked drivers, station managers, vehicle owners and passengers to remain calm until the consultations are completed.
No new public transport fare has been approved. The submission begins the official review process but does not automatically change the fares passengers should pay.
Transport operators had previously considered a 30% fare increase as fuel and other operating costs rose. That proposal was suspended in August after the government temporarily reduced the regulatory margin on diesel by GHS 2 per litre.
The groups subsequently monitored pump prices before deciding whether to reopen discussions. The latest petrol and diesel increases have now moved the process to a formal request for negotiations.
Under Ghana’s fare-setting arrangement, changes are expected to follow consultations between transport operators and the government. The assessment may consider fuel, spare parts, lubricants, insurance, taxes and other costs associated with operating commercial vehicles.
The immediate issue is whether the latest rise in operating costs is large enough to justify an adjustment in passenger fares. The transport groups have not disclosed the percentage increase they will seek during the consultations.
Passengers should therefore continue paying the existing approved fares until the Ministry of Transport and the transport organisations announce a decision. The outcome of the negotiations will determine whether fares remain unchanged or are adjusted.