The Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) has called on commercial transport operators to reduce their fares immediately as they return to taking passengers at full seating capacity.

“We are, by this statement calling on some of our major stakeholders in the transport sector including the GPRTU, Concerned Drivers Association, Committed Drivers Association and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council to immediately without fail, ensure that transport fares are reversed by close of day tomorrow [Monday],” COPEC said in a statement.

The government recently approved a 15% increment in transport fares following fuel price hikes amid social distancing in vehicles.

During his 14th address to update the public on measures taken by the government in the COVID-19 battle on Sunday, July 26, 2020, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said commercial vehicles can now take full capacity.

“In consultation with the Ministries of Transport and Aviation and the leadership of transport operators, Government has taken the decision to lift the restrictions in the transport sector, and allow for full capacity in our domestic airplanes, taxis, trotros, and buses. The wearing of masks in vehicles and aircraft, and the maintenance of enhanced hygiene protocols, remain mandatory,” said the President.

But Speaking in an interview on National Agenda ,Head of Monitoring at COPEC however, suggested that the recent fare increases could be slashed by 5% “since fuel price variance as at this point remains positive by at least a further 12% from the pre-COVID-19 lockdown period.”

‘The Chamber takes cognizance of the fact that the period prior to the COVID-19  lockdowns and restrictions had fuel prices trading at ghc5.650/litre but due to a global fall in demand and its attendant effects on pricing, fuel prices dropped by over 30% to below Ghc3.890/litre and has in recent times gone up marginally by a cumulative average of 16% to currently average 4.80/litre at the pumps.’

Sources:myashhfmonline.com