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The Coalition of Transport Union and Association has issued a warning that transport fares could increase by 20 percent if the government does not eliminate certain taxes from the petroleum price structure.
Transport operators are urging the government to remove the sanitation and pollution levy, as well as the energy sector levy, in order to alleviate the undue burden on drivers and consumers alike.
David Agboado, the National Public Relations Officer for the Concerned Drivers Association, stated that the association has given the government a two-week ultimatum to address these concerns. He mentioned that discussions on this matter have been ongoing since June 2021, and despite engaging with government officials, no substantial progress has been made.
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Agboado explained, “We know that the price stabilization and recovery levy is no longer effective, the energy sector levy is no longer effective, the sanitation and pollution levy is no longer effective, and we have issued a statement to that effect.” He added that if the government does not take action within the given time frame, the association will proceed to increase fares by 20 percent.
Meanwhile, certain Oil Marketing Companies (OMC) have already begun to raise the prices of petroleum products at the pumps, starting from August 1, 2023. For instance, GOIL has adjusted the price of a liter of petrol from GH¢12.40 to GH¢12.95, and diesel is now sold at GH¢12.95 per liter, up from its previous price of GH¢12.45.
This increase is attributed to the sudden surge in the prices of finished petroleum products on the international market and supply issues that have arisen globally.