By Commercial drivers across Ghana have expressed growing frustration over the rising cost of operating their vehicles, with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) warning that increasing fuel prices and other expenses are placing severe pressure on their livelihoods.
Current industry figures show that the indicative price floor for petrol has risen to GH¢11.57 per litre, up from GH¢10.46 recorded between March 1 and 15.
Diesel has also experienced a sharp increase, moving from GH¢11.42 to GH¢14.35 per litre, while liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) has climbed from GH¢9.38 to GH¢10.67 per kilogramme.
These changes represent increases of GH¢1.11 for petrol, GH¢2.93 for diesel and GH¢1.29 for LPG within the same month.
Speaking on Joy News Desk on Monday, March 16, Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU Samuel Amoh, he said the continuous rise in fuel prices is making it difficult for drivers to sustain their businesses.
“Drivers are not happy about what we are seeing at the moment. Because you know very well that anytime fuel prices go high, then it means that drivers are going to run at a loss, because it’s one of the major components that we use to do our business,” he stated.
According to him, fuel costs represent a significant portion of the expenses incurred by commercial transport operators, and any increase immediately affects their profitability.
However, he explained that the challenges confronting drivers go beyond fuel prices alone.
He noted that the cost of spare parts has also risen sharply in recent months, placing an additional burden on vehicle owners and operators.
“Quite recently, we were complaining bitterly about the cost of spare parts, which we were trying to talk to the spare parts dealers about for them to also reduce, but they couldn’t do that,” he said.
The Deputy PRO added that insurance premiums have also increased, further compounding the financial pressure on drivers.
“About a month or so ago, insurance policies, that is the third-party premium, were also increased. It’s also another cost that we are incurring,” he explained.
In addition, he said the rising prices of lubricants and increased charges from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority are further contributing to the growing operational costs faced by drivers.
“lubricant and other DVLA taxes have all gone up. So if it happens that fuel prices also go high, then it means that our personal costs are going to be increased. So basically, drivers are not that pleased about what we are seeing at the moment,” he added.
