Fuel price crisis | Will taxi fares increase in October? SANTACO weighs in

South Africa's taxi industry faces mounting pressure due to surging fuel and operating costs, with motorists expecting a potential fuel price hike of over R3 per litre in October. Central Energy Fund data reveals significant increases in petrol and diesel prices, with 95 Unleaded petrol potentially surging past R3 per litre and diesel facing a similar rise.

However, Minister Gwede Mantashe has not announced any immediate measures to alleviate households and businesses from the rising fuel costs, stating that the department will uphold transparent fuel pricing as required by legislation.

SANTACO spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala is closely monitoring the situation but has not yet determined whether taxi fares will increase in October. Taxi associations have only raised fares once since fuel prices started climbing in March 2026. Operators are also grappling with higher maintenance, administrative, and other business expenses.

Phala emphasized that any fare increase decision would be made by individual taxi associations based on their operating costs and profit margins, following consultations with commuter organizations.

Should individual taxi associations decide to adjust fares, they will consult their respective commuter communities before implementing any changes. SANTACO's Taxi Fare Index discourages fare increases of more than 10% at once, unless circumstances become exceptionally difficult. However, there is no blanket increase being contemplated, and any adjustment would depend on the unique conditions of each route.

SANTACO is advocating for equitable public transport subsidies to assist the taxi industry and commuters in coping with the escalating operating costs.