PUTCO announces its price increase after diesel price increase

Putco has announced its 10% fuel- related fare increase following the recent fuel hikes that have pushed diesel prices in South Africa to unprecedented levels.

The increase will be effective from June 1. Following the latest increase implemented on May 6, diesel prices went up to approximately R32 per litre, placing severe pressure on the operational sustainability of the company.

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While many transport operators responded with immediate fare increases, Putco deliberately delayed implementing any adjustment in an effort to protect passengers from financial strain.

Putco said it remains mindful that affordable public transport is not only a social and economic necessity, but also a critical lifeline for many low-income households and working-class communities it serves.

Putco has decided to implement a significantly lower fare adjustment in an effort to cushion passengers from the full financial impact of escalating fuel costs, noting that a fuel-related adjustment of at least 35% would have been required to fully offset the impact of diesel price increases on its operations.

After a request for fuel relief to the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, these engagements were further supported through the Southern African Bus Operators Association (SABOA), efforts have not resulted in any sustainable intervention to date.

Spending three million litres of diesel monthly, the implementation of the fuel-related fare adjustment has become a necessary measure to ensure the continued provision of reliable transport services across Putco’s operating regions.

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They remain committed to continued engagements with government and relevant stakeholders in pursuit of long- term interventions that will protect commuters while ensuring the sustainability of subsidised public transport services.