Fuel prices fall, but fares stand still: Commuters wait for relief as drivers hold back

Every morning before sunrise, 34-year-old trader Abena Mensah joins dozens of commuters at the Madina bus terminal in Accra. Like many Ghanaians, she counts every cedi before boarding a commercial vehicle.

When news broke that fuel prices had begun falling again, she smiled with hope.

"I thought this week I would finally save something on transport," she says, clutching a small shopping bag filled with vegetables she plans to sell. "But the driver still charged the same fare. It feels like nothing has changed."

Abena's disappointment echoes across bus stops and lorry stations nationwide, where commuters are asking the same question: If fuel prices are coming down, why are transport fares not following?

For months, passengers endured repeated fare increases as rising fuel prices pushed transport operators to adjust their charges. The increases became part of everyday life, forcing workers, students and traders to spend a larger share of their income simply getting from one place to another.

Now that petrol and diesel prices have begun declining, many expected immediate relief.

Instead, they continue to pay the same fares.

"We welcomed the fuel reduction. Now let fares reduce too."

At the bustling Circle transport terminal, office worker Daniel Ofori waits patiently in a long queue.

"My salary has not increased, but everything else has," he says.

"When fuel prices went up, transport fares changed almost immediately. Now fuel is coming down, we are expecting the same speed."

His frustration is shared by university student Mavis Quaye, who spends nearly GH¢50 every day commuting to lectures.

"That money could buy lunch for two days. Every reduction matters," she says.

Drivers say fuel is only part of the problem

Commercial drivers acknowledge the reduction in fuel prices but insist operating costs remain painfully high.

Kwame Asare, who has driven a trotro for more than 18 years, says passengers often assume fuel is their only expense.

"They see the fuel price coming down and expect fares to drop immediately," he explains.

"But what about engine oil, tyres, spare parts, insurance and maintenance? Most of these prices have not reduced."

Another driver at Kaneshie adds that many spare parts are imported and remain expensive despite recent fuel price declines.

"We are also struggling to survive," he says.

A balancing act for transport unions

Transport fare adjustments in Ghana are not determined by individual drivers alone. They are usually negotiated

by transport unions in consultation with government after considering fuel prices and broader operating costs.

Industry observers say while fuel remains one of the largest expenses for transport operators, it is not the sole factor influencing fares.

Still, commuters argue that if fuel increases justified fare hikes, fuel reductions should equally benefit passengers.

Families feeling the pressure

For many households, transport has become one of the biggest monthly expenses after food and rent.

At the Tema Station in Accra, mother of three Lydia Owusu says transport costs determine how much money remains for her children.

"If I save even GH¢10 every day on transport, that becomes school money by the end of the week."

She believes reduced fares would have an immediate impact on thousands of struggling families.

Economists see wider benefits

Economists say lower transport fares could ease inflationary pressures because transport costs influence the prices of food and other goods.

Lower commuting costs would also increase households' disposable income, potentially boosting spending in other sectors of the economy.

Hope mixed with patience

Back at Madina station, passengers continue boarding vehicles, handing over the same fares they paid before fuel prices fell.

"They cannot ignore us forever," says Abena before squeezing into a waiting trotro.

"When fuel went up, we all shared the burden. Now that it is coming down, we should all enjoy the relief too."

Until transport fares reflect the easing fuel prices, Ghana's commuters say they will continue waiting not just for the next bus, but for the financial breathing space they believe they have earned.