Economy

Increase in fuel prices: Hike in transport fares imminent.

by Yada Albert
09 Feb 2023 06:03
1807 views

There is a looming hike in transportation fare across the national territory. This follows a successful deliberation between some members of government and leaders of urban and interurban transport unions.

The gathering, Tuesday February 8, took place in Yaoundé. During the meeting, it was revealed that the transport fare will go up, witnessing a slight increase from its current level.

According to the Minister of Trade, MINCOMMERCE, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, the said new fares will be applicable immediately, as soon as the texts are signed.

He, however, stressed that the transport fare remain untouched until further notice.

The trade boss who was in the company of the minister of transport, among others, pointed out that they were able to arrive an agreement with members of the transporters’ syndicates, to the best interest of Cameroonians.

The new fares which are pending approval, would see passengers paying 300 FCFA instead of 250 FCFA during the day as taxi fare. The tariffs at night for taxis may also increase to 350 FCFA from the initial 300 FCFA.

The new provisions, however, has certain exceptions. This is the case for pupil, students, as well as physically challenged persons.

It was agreed that, the prices for these category of persons, will also remain unchanged.

More so, contrary to persons between the ages of 0-7, who will not be required to pay a dime, those from 7-10 and 11-21, shall now pay 7 FCFA and 9 FCFA per km respectively.

The increase in the transportation fare in the country comes after pressure was mounted on the government, following the hike of fuel prices, announced at the end of last month.

The resolve to potentially change the transportation fare comes as a big relief to some drivers. Before the announcement was made, some drivers were already compelled to unofficially step up the prices, to reflect their daily cost.

They told The Guardian Post that they independently took the decision to keep pace with the new prices of fuel and to make ends meet.

It should be recalled that on Tuesday January 31, the government through the Secretary General of the Prime Minister’s office, Prof Seraphin Magloire, confirmed the new prices of fuel which showed an increase of at least 100 FCFA.

According to the statement from the scribe at the PM’s office, the new pumps price of gas oil stands at 720 FCFA per litre.