It seems the phenomenon of exploiting passengers- by operators of commercial vehicles- has reared its ugly head again, following the announcement of upward adjustments in fuel prices.

In a random survey of fare adjustment, the Business Chronicle can report that commercial drivers have increased their lorry fares by between 17% and 25%, which is over and above the increase in fuel prices of between 5% and 11.36%.

The fare for boarding a lorry (Trotro) from Dzorwulu to Lapaz, which used to be ¢1,700 is now ¢2000, representing over 17% increase. That of Lapaz to Tesano also increased from ¢800 to ¢1000, recording a 25% upward adjustment.

Although, some passengers resisted the exorbitant price increases by some commercial vehicles, they could not do anything as they were left with very little option, as the drivers and bus conductors threaten, "If you wouldn't pay the fare, then don't board".

Passengers who chatter taxis were not spared, as taxi fares have also risen by over 20%.

Taxi fare from Odokor to Dzorwulu, which used to be ¢30,000 is now ¢40,000.

According Mr. Tony Abban, a taxi driver, taxi drivers did not adjust their fares upwards during the last upward adjustment of petroleum prices and so it was now time to take full advantage of the current price increases to make amends.

The same state of affairs applied at almost all passenger stations in the whole country and this has led to an increased tension between passengers and drivers of commercial vehicles. More quarrels are expected to ensue between passengers and drivers of commercial vehicle today, being the first day of this working week.

However, the Business Chronicle feels that the main umbrella bodies in the transport industry including Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPRTU) and PROTOA as well as the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) and the government must come together to fix transport fares that are equitable and fair to both passengers and operators.

The National Petroleum Authority (NPA), in line with international crude oil prices, that of finished product imports as well as the operations of the Tema Oil Refinery, on Friday adjusted fuel prices in Ghana upward by between 5% and 11.36%.

The price of premium petrol increased from ¢31,800 per gallon to ¢34,850 representing a 9.59% increase.

The price of gas oil was also adjusted upwards from ¢28,950 per gallon to ¢32,000 signifying an increment of 10.54% while the price of kerosene rose by 11.36% from ¢22,000 in the last quarter of 2005 to ¢24,500.

Premix gasoline and Liquefied Petroleum (LP) Gas also went up from ¢20,000 per gallon and ¢74,999 per 14.5 kg to ¢21,000 and ¢80,000 respectively. Premix gasoline recorded a 5% increase whiles LP Gas had a 6.67% increase.

In arriving at the new ex-refinery prices, the Chairman of NPA, Prof Ivan Addae Mensah in a press release read on his behalf by a board member, Prof Nii Ashie Kotey, who is also the Dean of the law Faculty of the University of Ghana, said the Authority reviewed the prices in accordance with the price developments in the world oil market, the prices of finished product imports as well as the operations of the Tema Oil Refinery (TOR).

During the price review of the fourth quarter of 2005, crude oil price closed the month (December 2005), at an average of $56.87 per barrel.

He said it was expected that the downward trend would continue in the month of January 2006, but it did not. "A sudden change in the international market situation and production disruptions in Nigeria, coupled with the controversies in the

Middle East and Southern America, led to fears of possible supply disruptions," he stressed.

Meanwhile, all fuel stations have adjusted their fuel pumps with the new fuel prices.