Cape Town passengers have received a reprieve as transport companies MyCiTi and Golden Arrow Bus Services announced no immediate fare hikes, despite a sharp surge in fuel prices.
Previously, MyCiTi fares were scheduled for adjustment on July 1, 2026, due to increased operating costs and fuel expenses. This raises the question of whether the recent fuel price shock will trigger another adjustment.
The Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE) reported on Monday that fuel price increases will take effect on October 7. The cost of diesel with 0.005% sulfur content on the coast will rise by 3.24 rand per liter, reaching 32.03 rand. Diesel with 0.05% sulfur will increase by 2.84 rand to 31.08 rand per liter. Drivers will also feel this, as the price of 95 octane petrol will rise by 3.33 rand per liter, amounting to 29.38 rand.
The DMRE cited the rise in global crude oil prices as the main factor driving fuel price increases. The average price of Brent crude rose from $87.89 to $101 per barrel during the review period. The Ministry attributes this increase to ongoing tensions between the US and Iran, uncertainty regarding oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, rising freight costs, and declining reserves.
The City of Cape Town stated that MyCiTi passengers will not face fare increases yet. Rob Quintas, a city council member for urban mobility, told IOL: 'The fuel price increase taking effect at midnight will not affect MyCiTi bus fares.' He added that the City is trying to protect passengers from fuel price fluctuations because the MyCiTi fare adjustment mechanism does not react to fuel price movements within one month. An adjustment only occurs if the fuel price reaches the next fare level within two out of three months or within two consecutive months, after which new fares are introduced on the first Saturday of the following month.
Regarding Golden Arrow, Bronwen Dyke-Beyer stated that the company does not plan to immediately raise fares for single trips, weekly, or monthly tickets. According to the company, diesel accounts for over 30% of Golden Arrow's operating costs, with the company consuming about 25 million liters annually. Nevertheless, Golden Arrow warned that further increases in fuel costs could lead to fare reviews in the coming months.
Dyke-Beyer noted that Golden Arrow has done everything possible to absorb rising costs and minimize the impact on passengers, acknowledging the significant financial pressure on households. However, she stressed that the continued escalation of fuel prices means that the need to review peak hour and multi-trip fares cannot be ruled out in the near future. Any such decision will consider service sustainability as well as the impact on passengers. The company always aims to notify passengers of any fare increase at least a week in advance, if circumstances allow. Furthermore, Golden Arrow does not currently plan to cut routes or services during off-peak hours and on weekends. The company's priority remains maintaining the current level of service and maximizing passenger protection from the consequences of rising operating costs. Dyke-Beyer also mentioned the company's discount products as assistance for budget-sensitive passengers, including concessionary fares for students and pensioners.