By: Bright Ntuli
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has welcomed the government’s decision to temporarily reduce the general fuel levy by R3 per litre, effective from Wednesday until 5 May.
The intervention comes amid rising global oil prices, largely driven by ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has placed additional strain on fuel costs.
SANTACO spokesperson Rebecca Phala says while the levy reduction offers some short-term relief, it does little to offset the broader increases in fuel prices that continue to affect the taxi industry. She notes that operators are still facing significant financial pressure, which impacts daily operations and profitability.
Phala adds that taxi associations across the country are currently assessing the full impact of the recent fuel hikes, including how they may affect fares and service delivery.
The taxi industry, which plays a critical role in South Africa’s public transport system, has been particularly vulnerable to fluctuating fuel prices. SANTACO has reiterated the need for longer-term interventions to stabilise costs and support operators as economic pressures persist.
