The National Taxi Alliance is calling for urgent government intervention as fuel prices are set to increase sharply on Wednesday, placing significant pressure on the transport sector and commuters.
Petrol is expected to rise by R5 per litre, while diesel prices are set to increase by more than R9 per litre — a move that could have widespread implications for public transport costs.
Spokesperson Theo Malele warned that fare increases may be unavoidable if no relief measures are introduced.
“Really, this is going to be very heavy. If government does not come to the party, we just have to, as an industry, lock horns and look for the best possible pricing structure,” Malele said.
He added that the impact would extend beyond taxi commuters, affecting the broader transport sector, including learner transport services.
The organisation is calling on government to consider reducing fuel levies to help cushion the financial blow for both operators and commuters.
Meanwhile, Golden Arrow Bus Services (GABS) has reassured commuters that there will be no immediate fare increases on its routes.
GABS Spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer said the company is taking steps to absorb the rising costs.
“Golden Arrow Bus Services is extremely concerned about the forward-looking diesel price projections, but we will make every effort to absorb these cost increases without increasing fares at this time,” she said.
While some operators attempt to shield commuters from immediate increases, the rising fuel costs are expected to place mounting strain on the transport sector in the coming weeks.
VOC News
Photo: VOCfm/Stock
