Taxi fares in South Africa could soon go up as fuel prices are expected to spike from Tuesday, 1 April. SANTACO says the looming increase is already putting pressure on operators across the country, with some taxi associations having already adjusted fares while others are still weighing their next move.

SANTACO spokesperson Rebecca Phala said many associations are being pushed to consider fare changes because of the expected jump in petrol and diesel prices. She said the pressure is being felt alongside fears around fuel supply constraints and early price adjustments at some filling stations.

Fuel Increase Adds to Operator Costs

According to IOL, petrol is expected to rise by as much as R5 a litre and diesel by more than R10 a litre from 1 April. The increase has been linked to higher international oil prices, a weaker rand and tax levies. The report also said the ongoing war in the Middle East has driven Brent crude prices sharply higher in recent weeks.

Phala said fuel is only one part of the cost burden facing the taxi industry. She said fare decisions are also shaped by vehicle instalments, administration costs, maintenance and the need to keep businesses running. That means commuters may feel the impact of a wider cost squeeze, not just the fuel price jump on its own.

Households Could Feel the Pain

Any fare increase would land hard for working South Africans who already spend a major share of their income on transport. The report cites the Household Affordability Index by the Pietermaritzburg Economic Justice and Dignity group, which found that transport takes up about 58% of the average worker’s monthly wage.

That reality leaves little room for commuters to absorb more costs. SANTACO said the industry does not receive direct government subsidies and depends mainly on fare revenue to stay afloat. Phala added that affordability remains a major concern and fare changes will need to be handled carefully so commuters are not pushed away from using taxis.

Commuters Should Watch for Updates

SANTACO said internal structures at provincial, regional and association level are actively discussing the issue. Once decisions are finalised, fare changes will be communicated through notice boards inside taxis, at ranks and on official social media pages. For now, commuters are being urged to stay alert as the cost of getting to work may soon rise again.