GPRTU Threatens Nationwide Strike From June 10 Over GH¢1 Increase in Fuel Levy

• Commercial transport operators have threatened a nationwide strike over the increase in tax on petroleum products
• Abass Ibrahim Imoro, the Industrial Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, condemned the levy
• The union has also warned that the increase could force drivers to implement a fare hike of up to 15%

Commercial transport operators have threatened a nationwide strike starting Tuesday, June 10, 2025, because of the GH¢1 increase in the Energy Sector Levy.

Speaking to the press on June 5, Abass Ibrahim Imoro, the Industrial Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), condemned the levy, which is charged per litre, calling it a unilateral decision taken without adequate consultation.

He also warned that the increased levy would impose untoward hardship on the transport sector.

"This GH¢1 increment per litre, which translates to a direct 6.7% surge in our primary operational cost, comes on the heels of already escalating expenses.”

Imoro said the increase could also force drivers to implement a fare hike of up to 15%.

The GPRTU and allied transport associations are calling for an immediate reversal of the policy and a comprehensive engagement with the government and relevant stakeholders.

"We are therefore calling on the government to reverse the levy immediately and engage us and stakeholders on the way forward.”

"We urge the government to consider the impact of the levy on the transport sector and the catastrophic consequences of our action on the economy, and engage us in meaningful deliberations to help address challenges in the energy sector."

In comments to YEN.com.gh, the Centre for Environmental Management and Sustainable Energy director, Benjamin Nsiah, noted that the increased levy would lead to more economic pressure.

"If prices are declining, what it means is that consumers may divert some of this surplus income into savings and investment."

"Since the government wants to take this money to pay debts, it means that employment generation is likely going to be a problem, and at the household level, consumer welfare is likely going to be worsened.”

Why is the government raising the fuel tax?

The government has said the tax increase, which has been criticised by a cross-section of society, is needed to support key procurement for power supply and also help clear the $3.1 billion energy sector debt.

During debate on the amendment, Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson said the amendment for the increase would raise additional revenue to fund the needs in the power sector.

Energy Minister John Jinapor backed the increment, saying there would be limited impact because of the favourable fuel prices.

President John Mahama also defended the increase in the fuel levy, describing it as a necessary and justifiable step to stabilise Ghana’s energy sector.

Increased fuel tax concerns in Volta Region

YEN.com.gh reported that residents in the Volta Region are mixed on the increase in the Energy Sector Levy.

Despite the government's assurance that fuel prices would not rise, many people fear the adjustment will lead to increased fuel prices.

Some drivers, traders, and teachers in the area are also worried that a ripple effect could impact their livelihoods.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh