SANTACO reacts to April fuel price hikes: What it means for commuters

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has responded to the latest fuel price adjustments, which take effect at midnight on April 1. The increases are as follows:

• Petrol 93 & 95: R3.06 per litre
• Diesel (0.05% sulphur): R7.37 per litre
• Diesel (0.005% sulphur): R7.51 per litre

In a statement, SANTACO notes that the industry continues to bear the brunt of fuel price hikes, particularly as diesel remains largely unregulated. The concern comes as most minibus taxis run on diesel.

The council welcomed the R3 fuel levy relief, describing it as a “necessary short-term intervention” to ease pressure on the sector. However, SANTACO cautioned that the overall increase in fuel prices remains a challenge for daily operations across the country.

Taxi associations are currently reviewing how the hikes will affect operational costs and profit margins. Any fare adjustments will be communicated directly to commuters, with SANTACO stressing that increases will be approached “with caution, transparency, and responsibility.”

Speaking on behalf of the National Taxi Alliance, spokesperson Theo Malele told SABC in an interview, “We cannot at this point speculate how prices will be affected." Malele added that adjustments will be made once it is informed of how the oil crisis impacts the sector.

"Commuters are already paying over 60% of their salaries on transport, and we cannot allow that to be further exacerbated. We are largely controlled by global geopolitics, and what needs to happen now is for the government to come to the party.”

At the national level, SANTACO leadership is engaging with the government to explore additional support measures aimed at cushioning both the taxi industry and commuters from rising costs. The council appealed for public understanding and cooperation as the sector strives to maintain a balance between sustainability and affordability.

IOL