BY GRACE ZIGAH
Commercial drivers are coming under renewed financial pressure following another increase in fuel prices, with rising operating costs threatening to further erode their daily earnings.
The latest adjustments, introduced during the second pricing window of September, have seen several Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) increase the prices of petrol and diesel, even as commercial drivers continue to operate with existing transport fares.
The increase has been attributed to higher international refined petroleum product prices and a slight depreciation of the Ghana cedi.
At Star Oil, the price of petrol has risen from GH¢15.17 to GH¢16.77 per litre, while diesel has increased from GH¢16.97 to GH¢17.77 per litre.
Allied has also adjusted its pump prices, with petrol now selling at GH¢16.90 per litre and diesel at GH¢17.90.
For drivers who depend on their vehicles for their daily income, the latest increase has created a difficult equation: they must spend more to keep their vehicles running while continuing to charge fares that have not been adjusted to reflect the rising cost of fuel.
While drivers are calling for relief, any increase in transport fares could create another challenge for commuters already dealing with rising household expenses.
Commuters have therefore expressed mixed reactions to the possibility of higher fares.
Some are concerned that increased transport costs would place an additional burden on household budgets, while others acknowledge that drivers are also facing substantially higher operating costs.
Businesses that rely heavily on road transportation, logistics and diesel-powered machinery could also face higher operating costs if fuel prices remain elevated.
Companies may have to spend more to transport raw materials, distribute finished products and move workers and goods from one location to another.
Where businesses are unable to absorb the additional expenses, some of the increased costs could eventually be passed on to consumers through higher prices for goods and services.
The knock-on effect could therefore extend from the filling station to markets, shops, workplaces and households, particularly if transport operators eventually secure higher fares.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has indicated that transport fares could rise by between 25% and 30% if fuel prices continue to increase.
Such an adjustment would have significant implications for commuters, particularly workers and students who rely on commercial vehicles for their daily transportation.
