Traders cry over fuel hikes

Madam Lydia Afoley Anum, Secretary of Makola Tomatoes Traders Association in Accra, has said the recent increment in fuel prices had negatively affected the operations of members.

“Last year drivers charged GH¢30 for the medium size basket of tomatoes but this year they are charging GH¢35 from Burkina Faso  to Accra due to the increment in fuel prices,” she explained.

Speaking to Ghana News Agency in an interview in Accra on Friday,  Madam Anum called on the Government to reduce the prices of petroleum products.

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) on December 29, 2011 annouced increases in petroleum products between 15-20 per cent, following increase in crude oil on the world market.

However,  a yam seller at the Makola Market, Accra, said the increment in fuel prices was  bad news to traders since that has affected their prices of farm produce .

Meanwhile,  Mr Dennis Obeney, Vice Chairman of Teshie –Nungua Estate Main Station,  said the hikes had not affected operations of members.

He explained that drivers and passengers were corporating with each other since the new lorry fares were announced.

Mr Obeney noted that floating drivers, who do not operate from any specific station, were at the centre of confusion and said “These drivers do not belong to any station and therefore do not adhere to rules and regulations binding the stations, and they charge fares below the approved fares.”

Source: GNA