Public transport operators protest increasing fuel prices

By ZACHERY PER
PUBLIC transport operators in Goroka town yesterday suspended their services to protest the increasing fuel prices which are badly affecting their operations.
They parked their trucks, buses and taxis at the National Park and discussed how they were going to address the problem.
Spokesman Junior Kukboi said the options were for authorities to increase bus fares or to cushion the hike in fuel prices.
“We are demanding that the Eastern Highlands administration and authorities tell us what measures to take to continue our operations,” Kukboi said.
“Whether we will increase bus fares or fuel price be lowered.”
The latest increase from K4.50 per litre of diesel to K5.50 has hit them hard.
“We cannot afford to operate because the little money we make would go to fuel and we will have not enough to meet other expenses,” Kukboi said
Fellow spokesman Samson Peter said most of public transport operators had loans from the bank under the small-medium enterprise arrangement which they had to pay.
“We have our loans to repay on scheduled dates.
“Authorities (must) look into our concerns immediately,” Peter said.
Eastern Highlands Administrator John Gimisive said he was waiting for a formal complaint from the public transport operators.
“I will respond after I am properly briefed,” Gimisive said.
Eastern Highlands police commander Supt Michael Welly said the Independent Consumer Competition Council should determine bus fares for the operators.
He said police would ensure the operators collected the approved fares and not charge passengers extra.