Road transporters cancel strike, call for urgent increase in transport fares

Road transport union leaders in Cameroon have called off a strike action, which was meant to protest a recent government increase in the price of fuel.

They have also called for an immediate increase in the official fare for urban and inter-urban transportation in the country.

The measures were resolved during a February 14 meeting in Yaoundé that involved road transport union leaders and a number of government ministers, including the Minister of Transport, the Minister of Trade, and the Minister of Labour and Social Security.

The meeting was coming nearly two weeks after the government increased the price of petrol from FCFA 730 to FCFA 840 and diesel from FCFA 728 to FCFA 828.

The measure, which had earlier been hinted at by President Paul Biya on December 31, was much criticized for its potential of adding to the economic woes of Cameroonians.

It was the second fuel price hike by the government in the last 12 months.

Road transporters, who are feeling the direct impact of the change, announced last week they were going on a strike, partly to demand an increase in transport fares as well.

This prompted an intervention from the administration, which called for a meeting with the Road Transport Unions and the Cameroon Road Transport Group (GTTC).

The meeting was held at the CSPH headquarters in Yaoundé on Wednesday, February 14.

Rising from the conclave, road transporters agreed to: “the urgent readjustment of prices and tariffs for urban, peri-urban and inter-urban transport to take into account the impact of the revaluation of pump prices on the operating costs of companies in the transport sector.”

They also agreed on a 15% increase in the cost of transporting petroleum products within cities, and a 15% rise in the minimum price of transporting goods around the country.

They also resolved that the government will examine the value-added tax (VAT) and customs duties on the importation of spare parts and other car inputs.

The increase in the price of urban and inter-urban transport tariffs is bound to put Cameroonians on the edge.

At the moment, a taxi drop in urban settings officially costs FCFA 300 during the day and FCFA 350 at night. The price was increased by FCFA 50 in February last year after the government raised fuel prices.

An increase in the price, which is imminent, will further lower the purchasing power of an average Cameroonian, millions of whom are already living below the poverty line.

Mimi Mefo Info