SANTACO urges government intervention amid escalating fuel crisis and fare uncertainty

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has issued an urgent call for government intervention as skyrocketing fuel prices and supply shortages threaten to destabilise the national taxi industry.

With diesel costs surging and operational panic rising, the council warns that immediate relief measures are essential to protect both transport providers and the millions of commuters who depend on them daily.

Rising pressures on the taxi industry

The council has expressed grave concern over the panic currently rippling through the industry. Reports from across the country indicate that taxi associations are already grappling with fuel shortages and limitations on refueling volumes. A particular point of contention is the escalating price of diesel.

SANTACO President, Mr Abnar Tsebe, noted that certain fuel stations appear to be exploiting the fact that diesel is not as heavily regulated as petrol, placing an undue burden on operators who are already stretched thin.

While SANTACO emphasises its commitment to keeping South Africa moving, the current economic climate is forcing a difficult balancing act between operational sustainability and commuter affordability.

The status of taxi fare increases

In light of these pressures, the question of fare increases has become a primary concern for the public. SANTACO has clarified that while there is currently no uniform, national fare increase declared, individual taxi associations maintain the prerogative to adjust prices based on their specific operational pressures. Some associations have already begun communicating these adjustments to their local commuters.

To ensure transparency, the council has advised commuters to look official notices on boards at taxi ranks, inside vehicles, and through verified association platforms. SANTACO maintains that fare adjustments are never a first resort. Under normal circumstances, these decisions are based on a comprehensive assessment of multiple factors including vehicle maintenance, financing, licensing, and other overhead costs, rather than fuel fluctuations alone.

A call for national relief measures

To prevent a total breakdown of essential transport services, SANTACO is seeking urgent engagement with the government. The council is advocating for three primary interventions to stabilise the sector.

 First, they are pushing for the adoption of a commuter-centric subsidy model that would provide more direct support to the industry. Second, they are requesting a temporary suspension or relief on fuel levies specifically for public transport operators. Finally, the council intends to engage directly with fuel suppliers to ensure that transport operators receive prioritised access to fuel supplies.

As the situation develops, SANTACO remains committed to a collaborative approach, working alongside government and industry stakeholders to navigate this period of uncertainty with as much transparency as possible.