Commuters have been spared an immediate taxi fare increase, even as the latest fuel price hike piles pressure on operators.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has resolved not to announce or implement any fare increases at this stage.
The decision comes at a delicate time for household budgets. Food inflation’s 16-year low of 0.9% in July edged up to 1.1% in August.
But low inflation means prices are rising more slowly, not that groceries have become cheaper.
Overall inflation of 4.3% also remains above the 3.5% rate cited in February’s Budget Speech, leaving households with little room to absorb another sharp cost increase.
The decision followed a National Executive Committee meeting in Johannesburg on October 7, 2026.
SANTACO will first ask government whether it can offer the taxi industry any assistance or intervention.
Taxi council urges commuters to stay calm
SANTACO Public Relations Officer Semang Masemola said the council wants to reassure commuters that taxi fares will not increase for now.
“We want to reassure commuters that there is currently no fare increase being introduced.”
He said the committee had resolved to engage government and explore possible interventions before considering further measures.
“We understand the pressure that any increase would place on operators and commuters, and we therefore believe it is important that all avenues are explored before such a decision is taken.”
The outcome of those talks will shape the industry’s next steps, including whether taxi fare adjustments eventually become necessary.
The stance follows a consultation process that began on October 6, when SANTACO’s National Office Bearers met in Kempton Park.
The council said it would also approach fuel suppliers about possible cushioning measures, using the industry’s collective buying power.
It has appealed to the public to stay calm and not act on speculation.
Fuel hike puts pressure on taxi fares
The R3.33 petrol increase announced by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources took effect on October 7.
Diesel also rose by up to R3.24 a litre, increasing operating costs for transport operators.
The government has already urged motorists not to panic, but commuters face their own squeeze as higher fuel costs filter through the transport sector.
The Competition Commission’s 2025 Cost of Living Report shows who feels household cost pressures most.
Food accounts for 40.71% of the poorest households’ spending, while housing and utilities account for another 26.1%.
The report also notes that minibus taxis carry more than 80% of public transport trips.
It found that taxi fares rose in mid-2022 only after a major petrol price spike, helping explain why SANTACO is holding fares for now.
COSATU has called for R10 billion from the Central Energy Fund’s Equalisation Fund to cushion consumers.
ActionSA, meanwhile, has called for a reduction in the fuel levy.
Where could the taxi industry get help?
Government support could take several forms, including measures aimed at reducing the immediate impact of higher fuel costs.
The Department of Transport has previously channelled dedicated funding to the industry for transformation and structural relief.
A fuel levy review or possible support through the Equalisation Fund could provide quicker relief if government agrees to intervene.
The National Empowerment Fund (NEF) is investment-driven, so it is not a source of immediate fuel relief.
Its alternative energy solutions include green energy frameworks that could help transport operators transition their fleets over the longer term.
For now, SANTACO has not announced a taxi fare increase.
The council says it will update the public once its talks with government conclude.
