Adjust fuel prices twice in a year - GPRTU

Accra, Dec. 18, GNA - Mr Samuel Osei, Chairman of the 37-Burma Camp branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), has suggested that Government should adjust prices of petroleum twice in a year rather than the current frequent adjustments.

He was of the view that frequent adjustments caused a lot of embarrassment to drivers, passengers and fuel dealing companies. "These (adjustments) every two or three weeks in fuel prices should stop and done once or twice in a year so that we the drivers and the passengers would have our peace of mind".

Mr Osei told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Thursday, when asked about his reaction to the reduction in the retail prices of petroleum products announced by Government last week. The National Petroleum Authority normally surveys prices of petroleum products at the international market over two weeks and announces any adjustments.

Last week's announcement has been received with mixed feelings. While some Ghanaians have hailed the measure, opponents of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), mainly the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have criticised it.

The NDC claims it is a desperate move to influence votes in favour of the presidential candidate in a presidential run-off scheduled for December 28.

Mr Osei said the NPA had to enter into consultations with the transport unions and the petrol distribution companies before announcing any price adjustment.

He said the fuel distribution companies had usually not been fair to vehicle owners and transport unions by not immediately reducing the prices of fuel after price reductions were announced.

"What worries us is that, when there is an increase in the prices of fuel, the filling stations immediately increase their prices, but when there is a decrease, they always give the excuse that they have to exhaust their old stock, and would only adjust to the new prices when they receive new stocks. This creates a lot of embarrassments and confusion," Mr Osei said.

He called on the Accra Metropolitan Authority to improve sanitation and beef up security at the lorry park.