The largest taxi organisation in the country, the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has welcomed the R3 fuel levy reprieve from government but warned that the measure is temporary and won't stay the looming taxi fare price hikes. SANTACO has assured commuters that the price increases will be approached with caution, transparency, and responsibility by individual taxi associations.
Image: Independent Newspapers Archives
Commuters across South Africa may soon face higher travel costs as the South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) warns that taxi associations are beginning to assess fare adjustments in response to a massive surge in fuel prices.
In a media statement released on Tuesday, SANTACO's national spokesperson Rebecca Phala detailed the sharp price increases that took effect at midnight on 1 April 2026.
The adjustments include a R3.06 per litre increase for Petrol (93 & 95), while Diesel users face a staggering hike of over R7 per litre—R7.37 for 0.05% sulphur and R7.51 for 0.005% sulphur.
The council highlighted that because the majority of minibus taxis operate on diesel—a fuel type that is largely unregulated—the industry is bearing the brunt of these market shifts.
"The significant increase of over R7 per litre means the industry will continue to absorb the greatest impact of the current fuel price adjustments," said Phala.
To mitigate the blow, the government has introduced a R3 fuel levy relief, a move SANTACO has officially welcomed as a "necessary short-term intervention."
However, the council noted that this relief is not enough to fully offset the operational strain placed on taxi owners and drivers.
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has welcomed the ephemeral R3 fuel levy reprieve from government, but has warned against looming price hikes. The majority of minibus taxis use diesel whose price is largely unregulated which may push many taxi associations to introduce taxi fare hikes.
Image: OUPA MOKOENA Independent Newspapers
As a result, local taxi associations nationwide are currently analysing their profit margins and operational costs.
SANTACO confirmed that individual associations will communicate any fare changes directly to their respective commuters.
"SANTACO wishes to assure the public that any fare increases implemented by associations will be approached with caution, transparency, and responsibility," said Phala.
The council further emphasized that it is remains in active discussions with the government to find long-term solutions and additional support measures to cushion both the industry and the millions of South Africans who rely on public transport daily.
While the future of fare pricing remains uncertain, SANTACO has called for "understanding and cooperation" from the public as the industry struggles to balance its own financial sustainability with the affordability needs of its passengers.
The taxi industry, which receives no government subsidies, transports the majority of the workforce, carrying millions of passengers each day.