Taxi industry seeks fuel price guidance from govt
Commuters could soon be paying more for transport as looming fuel price hikes pile pressure on the taxi industry.
Rising fuel costs are set to hit South Africans hard, with the taxi industry warning that fare increases are on the cards.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) says the imminent price hikes will affect the industry and the pockets of commuters.
Workers face growing pressure with rising fuel costs
Fuel prices are expected to rise sharply in South Africa from next month due to higher global oil prices linked to the Middle East conflict.
A litre of petrol could climb by around R5 while diesel costs could jump by close to R10 per litre on Wednesday.
SANTACO says reports of fuel shortages, fuel rationing and rising diesel prices are already putting pressure on taxi associations.
Fare hikes may be unavoidable
SANTACO national spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Phala has called on the government to provide clear guidance on price expectations.
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"Whilst there is no uniform increase that has been declared, some taxi associations have started to communicate increases to their commuters."
"As such, commuters are advised that all changes, as well as increases, will be communicated through the use of official noticeboards at taxi ranks, inside our vehicles, as well as through the verified association's communication platforms, as well as SANTACO’s communication platforms," says Phala.
“All fare adjustments will be approached with careful consideration."
Motor industry requests fuel levy drop to protect workers
On Monday, the Motor Industry Staff Association also called on government to urgently implement a temporary reduction in fuel levies to protect workers and their families from the devastating impact of rising fuel prices.
The trade union which represents employees in the retail motor industry says South African workers already spend more than 50% of their salaries on transport and electricity.
It says with electricity tariffs set to rise on 1 April, households will face a double burden that will push many deeper into financial distress.
