PMV INCREASED FARES IN GOROKA

BY VICKY BAUNKE, Goroka

THE impacts in shortage of fuel supply that is widely experienced not only in the country but globally is squarely blamed on the war in the middle east.

In the Nation’s Capital, bus operations were halted in the morning, with PMV owners demanding authorities for explanation on the increase in fuel prices.

In Goroka, Public Motor Vehicle (PMV) operators and taxi drivers have increased their fares following a significant rise in fuel prices.

As of Wednesday 8th April, fuel prices have surged sharply, diesel has increased from K4.70 per litre to K7.90 per litre — a rise of K3.20, representing an approximate 68 percent increase. Petrol has also gone up from K4.69 per litre to K6.30 per litre — an increase of K1.61, or about 34 percent.

According to Site Operation Assistant, Mr. Robert Wakos of Goroka Corner Service Station, the price adjustment was implemented following directives from the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC).

Mr. Wakos stated that apart from other service stations in Goroka, Goroka Corner Service has effected the increase as of today in line with ICCC pricing.

He further stated that the exact reason for the fuel price hike is not known.

He added that it remains uncertain whether fuel prices will decrease or continue to rise in the coming weeks.

The increase in fuel prices has now resulted in fare adjustments by PMV operators and taxi services within Goroka.

One of the Taxi Drivers operating in Goroka Ayaki Fuka expressed that the reason for fee increase is because of the fuel price increase that is a concern despite ICC’S notice to not increase fares.

However, bus fees within Goroka town has increased to double from K1 within town areas to K2.

However, the rates of bus fees in Goroka have increased since Wednesday and still remain.