MOTORISTS and businesses across Mzansi are bracing themselves as fuel prices are set to rise from Wednesday, 1 April, including a hike in the fuel levy.
The South African National Taxi Council (Santaco) has sounded the alarm, warning that fears over rising fuel costs and possible shortages could hit millions of commuters nationwide.
Reports of fuel shortages, limits on refueling and rising diesel prices are already putting huge pressure on taxi operators, Santaco said.
Santaco president Abner Tsebe said urgent action is needed.
"We are acting with urgency to stabilise the situation and protect both operators and commuters. We call on government to immediately provide clear direction on fuel price expectations and to work with us on practical relief measures.
"The taxi industry remains committed to keeping South Africa moving and we will do so in a way that balances sustainability with the needs of our commuters," said Tsebe
Santaco spokeswoman Mmatshikhidi Rebecca Phala reassured commuters that any fare adjustments will be carefully considered.
"We want to reassure commuters that the taxi industry is mindful of the financial pressures households are already facing. Any fare adjustments will be communicated transparently through taxi associations.
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"Fare changes are normally based on broader operational costs, not fuel prices alone, but the pressures on the ground, including fuel supply challenges, are serious concerns for operators," she said.
While no national taxi fare increase has been announced, Santaco warned that some associations may raise fares depending on operating costs. Commuters will be informed through official notice boards at taxi ranks, inside taxis and verified association platforms.
Businesses are already feeling the pinch.
Sibusiso Lebisi, owner of Empire Driving School in Ivory Park, said: "The petrol issue is going to affect us too much. Our clients do not have money. If we increase driving lesson prices from R180 to R200, we risk losing business."
Nelson Mashaba, manager of Mandela Headboard in Midrand, added: "When petrol goes up, everything else goes up. It will affect our operations and growth."
Meanwhile, Thomas Thabede, owner of Midwest Motor Repair in Ivory Park, said business is already slowing: "Right now, I only have one customer, and even they were complaining about petrol prices. It is affecting us badly."
Petrol stations have also seen a surge of motorists rushing to refill before the major hike hits at midnight.
On Sunday, 29 March, President Cyril Ramaphosa said he instructed Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana to urgently develop a plan to protect South Africans from a steep increase.
When the new fuel price kicks in on 1 April, it will include a 21-cent-per-litre tax hike.
