By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (V/R), March 27, GNA – Some drivers and commuters in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region have expressed concern over a proposed fuel price hike by the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC).
According to COPEC, fuel prices in the country are expected to rise to between GH₵17 and GH₵18 per litre in April due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The situation has sparked anxiety among drivers and commuters in Keta, who say they are already struggling with current fuel prices.
Mr Manyo Manfred, a driver on the Keta-Accra route, told the Ghana News Agency that the anticipated increase was attributed to disruptions in global crude oil markets and supply chain challenges through the Strait of Hormuz.
“I think we must buy into the advice by the COPEC Executive Secretary, Duncan Amoah, for authorities to build strategic fuel reserves to cushion against potential shocks and sustain prices around GH₵14–15 to avoid sharper increases later,” he said.
He explained that in March, fuel prices recorded marginal changes, with petrol rising by 3.59 per cent to between GH₵11.8 and GH₵13 per litre, diesel increasing by 1.52 per cent to about GH₵12.73–14 per litre, while LPG dropped by 1.57 per cent to between GH₵11.48 and GH₵12.69 per kilogram.
Mr Manyo further lamented the refusal of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to approve fare increases despite mounting pressure from drivers due to rising fuel costs.
“The most challenging part is that operating costs, including spare parts and maintenance, remain high, and we need funds to sustain our businesses amid rising fuel prices,” he said.
Madam Evelyn Ahashie, a commuter, appealed to driver unions to either reduce or maintain transport fares to ease pressure on businesses in the area.
She also urged the government to heed COPEC’s call for a national dialogue on the fuel pricing formula, including a review of the price deregulation programme to prevent sharp increases.
She noted that fuel price volatility had broader economic implications, affecting transport costs and commodity prices, and warned that sustained increases could destabilise sectors and drive up the cost of goods and services.
Madam Ahashie further observed that Ghana’s reliance on imported fuel and global oil market volatility made the country vulnerable, recommending investment in renewable energy and improved public transport systems to cushion future shocks.
She expressed concern over the government’s silence on possible relief measures, which she said had heightened frustrations among drivers and commuters, and called for immediate interventions.
Meanwhile, the Ghana News Agency has gathered that COPEC has proposed the establishment of a Special Petroleum Reserve Fund to stabilise fuel prices and protect consumers during periods of unfavourable global market conditions.
The situation in Keta highlights the need for sustainable solutions to fuel price challenges, with stakeholders and policymakers urged to prioritise the welfare of citizens.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/ Audrey Dekalu