The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has stated that no final decision has been made regarding potential increases in taxi fares following recent hikes in fuel prices. The council has strongly advised the public and commuters against reacting to rumors or speculation.
SANTACO has decided to conduct additional discussions involving the taxi sector, the fuel industry, and the government due to the recent substantial increases in fuel costs and the ongoing uncertainty concerning fuel expenses.
Дальнейшие консультации
Rebecca Phala, a spokesperson for SANTACO, revealed that this resolution was reached during the council's National Office Bearers (NOB) meeting, which took place in Kempton Park on Tuesday. During this meeting, the leadership assessed how escalating fuel costs affect taxi operators, industry employees, and passengers.
As part of these consultations, SANTACO plans to involve its industry members to evaluate the consequences of the fuel price escalations. Furthermore, they will engage with fuel suppliers and business associates to explore potential mitigation strategies achievable through the industry's combined purchasing power.
The council will also consult with the National Department of Transport and other pertinent governmental bodies to find solutions that can lessen the burden of rising fuel costs on both the taxi industry and the traveling public. Phala emphasized that at present, SANTACO is not issuing any statements about possible fare adjustments.
The council acknowledged that any change in fares directly impacts commuters, leading them to believe that every conceivable option must be examined before a definitive stance is adopted. SANTACO's goal is to establish a fair and sustainable solution that accounts for the financial realities and interests of taxi operators, industry staff, and commuters, especially given the widespread economic strain across various societal sectors.
Рассмотрение вопроса NEC
Phala confirmed that SANTACO will proceed with its consultations and subsequently present the issue to its National Executive Committee (NEC) for further review, which is scheduled for the following day. The council committed to communicating its official position once a consensus decision has been reached.
Therefore, SANTACO appealed to the public and commuters to maintain composure and disregard speculation about fare increases, reiterating that no decision to raise taxi fares has been announced by SANTACO yet.
Цены на топливо достигают рекордных уровней
These developments come after the latest fuel price increases became effective on Wednesday, October 7th. This caused the price of 95 unleaded petrol to reach R30.25 per liter inland and R29.38 along the coast. In inland areas, 93 unleaded petrol rose to R29.88 per liter.
Diesel prices are also hitting record highs; 50ppm diesel increased by R3.24 per liter, and 500ppm increased by R2.84. At the wholesale level, 50ppm diesel will cost R32.80 in Gauteng before retail markups are applied. These recent increases follow a sharp surge in global oil prices, which has been largely fueled by increased tensions in the Middle East.