Some drivers in the newly created Ahafo Region have kicked against any increment in fuel prices.
Presenting the 2019 midyear budget review in Parliament on Monday, Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta announced an increase in Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA) which affects petroleum products.
“Government proposes to increase the Energy Sector Levies by GHp 20 per litre for petrol and diesel and GHp 8 per kg for LPG, so as to increase the inflows to enable Government issue additional bonds to pay down our energy sector debt obligations. Based on current indicative prices for petrol and diesel this translates to GHp 90 per gallon,” he said.
The Government in 2017 issued the Energy Sector Levy Act (ESLA) Bond, which has, to date, raised almost GHS 6 billion to pay for legacy debts.
But the drivers are of the view that further increment in fuel prices will cripple their business.
“We are pleading with government, there is hardship in our business, so we are pleading with government not to increase it.
“I’m a driver, I drive to Ayomso, if government brings it, we we’ll be very angry with him, we don’t want a scuffle with passengers, so we’re pleading with the president, he should let the price remain same.”
By Atiewin Mohammed | 3news.com