Omar Ceesay, president of The Gambia Transport Union, has said the government’s decision to increase fuel prices breached its agreement with the union. 

Mr Ceesay was speaking in response to the government’s new fuel increment for the month of July, which they blamed on the Russia-Ukraine war.

According to him, a litre of fuel price now stands at 73.77 dalasis compared to last fuel increment when litre was at 53.77 dalasis.

“What we discussed with the government was if fuel price increased over 20% then the national transport fare should be increased, and the fuel price has been increased and we are engaging the government but it is not yet finalised and you add another 20% increment,” he said

“That’s why I urge both the drivers and passengers to have understanding because if the drivers continue to ply on normal tariff, then they are running on loses, and if we have to strike it will affect the population because we are heading to a feast, so we must have a mutual understanding between the drivers and the passengers.

“But as things stand now, no one can manage the situation, and even fare increments can happen. 

“In fact, by rights, fares should have increased twice. One thing people should understand is that if the government increased fuel price and linked it to where they buy fuel, why shouldn’t we [drivers] also increase it when they increase it here?” he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba