SANTACO rules out immediate taxi fare hikes following fuel levy relief

The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has assured commuters that there will be no immediate fuel-related taxi fare increases following the announcement of temporary fuel levy relief by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.

In a statement, SANTACO welcomed the intervention, saying it would help ease financial pressure on the taxi industry and commuters amid rising fuel costs.

Under the relief measures announced by Godongwana, the General Fuel Levy will be reduced by R1.50 per litre for petrol and R3 per litre for diesel from 4 November to 1 December 2026.

The relief will continue at a reduced level from 2 December 2026 to 5 January 2027, with petrol receiving a R1 per litre reduction and diesel R1.50 per litre.

SANTACO said the intervention was a welcome step, given the significant impact fuel prices have on taxi operators’ daily operating costs and the industry's role in providing affordable public transport to millions of South Africans.

The council said it recognised the importance of shielding commuters from further financial pressure while ensuring operators could continue providing reliable and accessible transport services.

However, SANTACO warned that temporary relief alone would not address the structural cost pressures facing the industry, particularly as the measures are scheduled to end on 5 January 2027.

The council said it would continue engaging relevant government departments and stakeholders to explore sustainable solutions to help the industry cope with volatile fuel prices.

SANTACO president Motlhabane Abnar Tsebe called on industry structures to communicate responsibly with taxi operators and commuters while discussions with government continue.

“We call on all industry structures to communicate responsibly with operators and commuters as these engagements continue,” Tsebe said.

He added that SANTACO remained committed to constructive dialogue with government to find practical and sustainable solutions that protect both taxi operators and the travelling public.

The council said the sustainability of the taxi industry was essential to South Africa’s public transport system and economic activity, with millions of people relying on minibus taxis to access work, education, healthcare and other essential services.