Reduction in Fuel Price yet to affect Transport Fares
Audrey Micah, Ghanadot

Accra, Decr 15, 2008, Ghanadot -After several days when the prices of petroleum products was reduced by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) some drivers are yet to come to terms with the new directives.

Drivers at the Labadi Lorry Station told Ghana Dot that though they have heard on both the print and electronic media, it will still take them sometime before they could adjust to the new fares.

They maintained that they have to meet the daily sale required from them by their car owners and the reduction in the petrol will not change anything but will rather worsen their situation, thus they can not reduce the fares immediately but with time will heed.

“Yes it is true that we have to reduce the fares by 5 percent, but as it is I can not do that right now because my car owner has not reduced the daily sales, and the time I’m supposed to park the car is still like previous, so if I reduce the fare, that means I may not meet my target and that will cause me my job”. One driver stated.
 

According to others, they do not only use petrol, but other oil to keep their cars running and the reduction in petrol alone will not help them since they still have to buy oils for their engines at the same price. They noted that it would be better if this is also reduced since they can not move without the other.

“My ‘trotro’ does not only use petrol, I also buy oil for it and the price of the oil is still the same so how do expect to reduce my fares if I can not even make my sales for the day”. Another said.

Meanwhile passengers on the other hand are having harms with conductors (mates) who because of their personal gain have refused to reduce the fares. They called on authorities to make sure that they make the directives work to impact the Ghanaian.

According to them, it is important for the NPA and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to come out with a task force who will go round all stations and commercial vehicles to ensure that the right things are done, and must be ready to arrest any offender when necessary.

Mr. Steve Boateng Ofori, a civil servant told Ghana Dot that he joined a car to work this morning and to his surprise he was charge the same fare though he new the fares have been reduced, this to him tend into a squabble between him and the drivers mate. Others also share the same sentiment and are calling on the authorities to do something immediately if they want Ghanaians to really benefit from the said reduction in fuel prices.

A visit to the central business district to ascertain whether prices of vegetables and cereal have changed due to the reduce in fuel, it was indicated that nothing has changed as traders claim transport fares are the same. A tuber of yam is still sold from GH¢1.20 to GH¢1.50 and ‘olonka’ of tomatoes going for GH¢3 and GH¢4 depending on ones bargaining skills.

According to these traders, they would gladly reduce the prices of their wares if authorities make drivers reduce their fares.