The increase in fuel prices is affecting motorists and commuters alike.
Local Taxi Association (LOTA) chairperson Mr Solly Vilane said that the fuel increase is pushing them into a tight corner as taxi operators now also have to increase their fares.
The latest increases are largely due to surging international oil prices, with Brent Crude Oil having broken through the $90 per barrel mark late in the month for the first time since October 2014.
The price of 95 unleaded petrol went up with 53c per litre to R19.42 at the coast and R20.14 in the inland regions where the slightly cheaper 93 unleaded will now cost R19.89, also up with 53c.
Diesel was also increased by 80c per litre.
These prices were effective from Wednesday, February 2.
Vilane indicated that they are faced with a huge problem as the fuel hike since 2017 has been seen about seven or more times and they have tried their best not to increase their fares, but now they are in a tight corner.
“We are not making any profit as we speak and times are tough, most of our customers are unemployed and the effects of Covid-19 are beginning to show. We are paying instalments of up from R15 000 to R18 000 monthly on our taxi’s and we are left with nothing as a profit. Most of our members have their vehicles repossessed by banks. We are serving the poor of the poorest in the community, the government is not subsidising us,” Vilane pointed out.
He said they were going to meet as a board to determine the exact amount of the increase.
Vilane said they were also concerned about the poor roads in eMalahleni and they tried many times to discuss the issue with the local municipality and they have now decided to buy their own grader.
He gave the example of the roads in Empumelelweni which are bad, making it hard for their vehicles to use them.
Vilane said the government relief fund will come as a relief as most of the operators are struggling very hard.
He said even though their turn in eMalahleni has not come, they’re looking forward to receiving the fund.
Taxi operators are supposed to submit certain documents to the Department of Transport to apply for the fund.
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