POLOKWANE – The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has warned that taxi fare increases may be imminent as operators engage with fuel shortages, rising diesel costs, and supply constraints across the country.

The council noted that the fuel price increases has already begun to affect daily operations. The petrol price increased from April 1 with petrol at R3.06 for 93 and 95 octane, while diesel increased with R7.51.

Santaco president Abner Tsebe said the industry is engaging with the government.

“We are acting with urgency to stabilise the situation and protect both operators and commuters. We call on the government to immediately work with us on practical relief measures. The taxi industry remains committed to keeping South Africa moving, and we will do so in a way that balances sustainability with the needs of our commuters,” he said.

It further noted individual taxi associations retain the authority to adjust fares based on operational pressures.

R2 increase for local trips, R4 for long distance

National Taxi Alliance provincial spokesperson Frans Kgasago, noted that the fuel increase has affected both the drivers and commuters.

He mentioned that their increases were done in consideration of the commuters as they are not subsidised by government.

“We are forced to increase our fares and it is painful to our commuters, but we have reached a decision to increase our fares with R2 local and long distance with R4.

However, the associations will decide when they are implementing the prices,” he said.

No government subsidy, says taxi alliance

Kgasago noted this affects the association as they increase their fares after a while and with a small increase.

“We are transporting 80% of the public commuters and we compete with other modes of transport including buses, however we do not receive any subsidy.

“We are considering our commuters and setting these prices while considering their pockets and our services as well.

This includes the car parts and the maintenance we do on these taxis,” he said.

Seshego, Polokwane associations to meet soon

Seshego and Polokwane Taxi Associations spokesperson Simon Molomo told BONUS the association would meet during the week to discuss the date of the implementation of the fare increases.