The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has assured commuters that any fare increases will be approached with consideration and transparency.

This, after fuel prices rose on Wednesday, with motorists now paying more than R3 and R7 for petrol and diesel respectively.

The taxi body said that while it acknowledges the government’s efforts to reduce the fuel levy temporarily, the overall fuel rise places a significant burden on its daily operations.

Said SANTACO national spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Phala: “Given that the majority of minibus taxis operate on diesel, which is largely unregulated, the significant increase of over R7 per litre means the industry will continue to absorb the greatest impact of the current fuel price adjustments.”

Phala said associations under SANTACO countrywide are currently assessing the impact of the latest increase on operational costs and profit margins.

“SANTACO wishes to assure the public that any fare increases implemented by associations will be approached with caution, transparency, and responsibility. At a national level, SANTACO leadership remains actively engaged with government to explore further support measures aimed at cushioning both the industry and commuters from the ongoing financial strain.”

*This article was first published by EWN