The taxi industry is consulting the government and fuel suppliers in a bid to avoid passing this week’s steep fuel price increases on to commuters.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) said it had resolved to undertake further consultations with the fuel industry and government following the latest increases in fuel prices and continued uncertainty over fuel costs.
SANTACO’s national office bearers met in Kempton Park on Tuesday to consider various options, ultimately agreeing that further consultations were necessary.
In a statement issued by spokesperson Rebecca Phala, SANTACO said the consultations would focus on finding ways to cushion both the taxi industry and commuters from the impact of rising fuel costs.
“As part of the consultations, SANTACO will engage its industry members to assess the impact of the fuel-price increases, while also engaging fuel suppliers and business partners on possible cushioning measures that could be achieved through the industry’s collective buying power.
“SANTACO will further engage the National Department of Transport and other relevant government stakeholders on possible solutions to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs on the taxi industry and the travelling public,” said Phala.
The taxi industry transports between 68% and 80% of people who use public transport daily, translating to approximately 15 million commuters.
Fuel prices reach record highs
The latest increases have pushed South Africa’s fuel prices to record levels, with 95 Unleaded petrol rising above R30 per litre for the first time.
The increases have been attributed to rising international crude oil and petroleum product prices amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
The October 2026 fuel price adjustments are:
- Petrol 93 (Inland): increased by R3.12 per litre to R29.00.
- Petrol 95 (Gauteng/Inland): increased by R3.33 per litre to R30.25.
- Petrol 95 (Coastal): increased to R29.38 per litre.
- Diesel 500ppm: increased by R2.84 per litre.
- Diesel 50ppm: increased by R3.24 per litre.
- Illuminating paraffin: wholesale prices also increased significantly.
While SANTACO has not ruled out a taxi fare increase, the organisation said it was determined to explore alternatives before passing the additional costs on to commuters.
“At this stage, SANTACO is making no announcement regarding possible taxi fare increases. The Council recognises that any adjustment to fares has a direct impact on commuters and therefore believes that all possible options must first be explored before a position is reached,” said Phala.
Pressure mounts on households
Meanwhile, pressure group Abahlali BaseMjondolo criticised the fuel price increases, warning that they would place further pressure on already struggling households.
“Millions of people do not have sufficient access to healthy food. The Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity group calculated that in September the average household food basket cost R5,488.06, while a basic nutritionally adequate food basket cost R6,655.29.
“The average cost of feeding one child was R970.27 a month, while the Child Support Grant is only R580 a month,” the group said in a statement.