The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has announced a 13% rise in transportation charges, which will take effect on June 5, 2021.
Intercity ‘trotro’ vehicles, intercity long-distance vehicles, and shared taxis will all be covered by the new charges.
According to the union, the decision was made to primarily accommodate the recent spike in gasoline costs.
The government, on the other hand, has “assured that it would continue with measures to avoid a substantial spike in input costs,” according to the report.
“Government has also assured us by a letter from the Ministry of Finance that the suspension of the quarterly income tax payment by owners of ‘trotros’ and taxis will be extended to cover Intercity commuter vehicles to reduce the operational cost. We, therefore, encourage the government to keep to its commitment in this regard.”
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As a result, the union has instructed all of its members to follow the amended tariffs and publish them at their loading ports.
“We also ask members, commuters, and the general public to work together to ensure the new rates are implemented successfully.”
Increase in fuel prices
The margin on petroleum products increased by 17 pesewas per litre with the adoption of the newly revised fuel taxes.
However, after a meeting with industry stakeholders, the NPA cut the 17-pesewa margin to 9 pesewas.
Until the current increase, data from the pumps revealed that gasoline and diesel prices had climbed from an average of GHS 4.7 per litre in December 2020 to an average of GHS 5.74 per litre in mid-March 2021.
A new 10 pesewas Sanitation and Pollution Tax, as well as a 20 pesewa levy to cover taxes on the country’s surplus electricity capacity, were implemented in the 2021 budget, subject to legislative approval.
According to the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC), there has been an 11 percent rise in pricing in the previous two months.
Since the beginning of the year, fuel prices in the nation have been steadily rising, raising concern that customers may conclude the year paying an all-time high per litre.
Source: ATLFMNEWSROOM
