Santaco to consult industry, fuel suppliers and government after latest petrol hikes

The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) says it will hold consultations with taxi operators, fuel suppliers and government stakeholders after the latest fuel price increases, and stressed that no decision has yet been made to raise taxi fares.

Talks to assess impact and explore cushioning measures

Santaco spokesperson Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala said the council adopted a resolution to pursue further engagement during its National Office Bearers (NOB) meeting in Kempton Park on Tuesday, where members considered the impact of rising fuel costs on taxi operators, industry employees and commuters.

The council said it will engage its industry members to assess the impact of fuel price increases, and will talk with fuel suppliers and business partners about measures that may be achievable through the industry’s collective buying power.

Government engagement and decision process

As part of the consultations, Santaco intends to engage with the national Department of Transport and other relevant government stakeholders on possible measures to cushion the impact.

Phala said the council will table the outcome of ongoing consultations before Santaco’s national executive committee on Wednesday, 8 October.

“The council will communicate its position once a collective decision has been concluded,”

Fare adjustments remain under consideration

Phala highlighted the council’s caution about fare changes, noting that “The council recognises that any adjustment to fares has a direct impact on commuters and therefore believes that all possible options must first be explored before a position is reached,” and that the objective is to find “an ideal and sustainable solution that considers the interests and financial realities of taxi operators, employees within the industry and commuters.”

She also emphasised that Santaco has not announced a decision to increase taxi fares at this stage, adding:

“Santaco therefore appeals to the public and commuters to remain calm and not act on speculation regarding possible fare increases,”

Next steps

Santaco said consultations will continue and that the council will communicate its position once a collective decision has been reached.