The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers (COPEC) are calling on the government to provide a clear timeline for the implementation and duration of the GH¢1 fuel levy set to take effect on July 16. Apexnewsgh reports
While the GPRTU has dropped its initial resistance following stakeholder engagements, it insists that the levy must not become a permanent burden.
Abass Imoro, Industrial Relations Officer of GPRTU, pleaded with the government to specify a timeline for the levy, whether it be six months, one year, or a specific date. “We also plead with those in authority to also make sure they come out with a timeline that we are taking this [fuel levy] for 6 months or for 1 year or whichever date they think it will sustain us up to,” he said.
Imoro noted that the marginal drop in petrol prices and the slight increase in diesel for the first pricing window of July offer some relief. However, he warned that further hikes could force fare adjustments, emphasizing that drivers need to see tangible benefits from their work.
“We are working and we will want to make sure we are making profit out of what we are doing. So when we get to a stage where we see no profit why not, we will start to make sure we also gain something out of what we are doing,” Imoro stated.
COPEC is equally firm in its stance, with Executive Secretary Duncan Amoah demanding accountability and a fixed duration for the levy. “This new GH¢1 levy should not be treated as one of those old taxes that we have left on the price build-up forever,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies says its members are preparing for the rollout but cautioned that the impact on fuel prices remains uncertain due to market volatility.
The government is under pressure to provide clarity on the fuel levy, and stakeholders are eagerly awaiting a response.
Source: Apexnewsgh,com/Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen
