Stellenbosch Taxi Association and Gold Arrow Bus Services have confirmed that they will not increase transport fares despite the fuel price hike that took effect on 1 April.
The Stellenbosch Taxi Association has confirmed that they will not be increasing taxi prices for now, despite petrol and diesel prices increasing. PHOTO: Nomndeni Ndlovu
The department of mineral resources and energy said fuel prices increased due to ongoing tensions in the Middle East, from where South Africa imports both crude oil and refined petroleum products. Much of this supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for the country’s oil imports.
The price of 93 and 95 unleaded petrol increased by R3.06 per litre, while diesel rose by R7.37 per litre (0.05% sulphur) and R7.51 per litre (0.005% sulphur).
Bronwen Dyke-Beyer, spokesperson for Gold Arrow Bus Services, said they are not planning to increase their fares. Dyke-Beyer added that 20 electric buses have been introduced, helping the company cut down on fuel use.
Bronwen Dyke-Beyer, spokesperson for Gold Arrow Bus Services, said they were doing everything in their power to shield passengers by absorbing these additional costs for as long as they are able to. PHOTO: Nomndeni Ndlovu
“We recognise the financial pressure that rising living costs are placing on our passengers and remain committed to supporting the communities we serve. We want to shield our passengers by absorbing these additional costs for as long as it is sustainable to,” she said.
However, Dyke-Beker added that should the ongoing war continue, there may come a point when the prices are adjusted. “We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will always communicate transparently with our passengers should any changes become necessary,” she said.
The Stellenbosch Taxi Association will also hold off on increasing its fares. Goolzar Moses, who is a taxi driver at Stellenbosch taxi rank, said the current fare prices would not be increasing.
The petrol price has increased by R3.06 per litre, and diesel has increased between R7.37 and R7.51. PHOTO: Nomndeni Ndlovu
“We will wait until the end of the month to see if they [the fuel prices] will come up again and then we will see. All of us have to make sure that we are driving two or three days with a full tank,” he said.
Bheki Mathunjwa, a final-year BA (Development and Environment) student at Stellenbosch University(SU), said he is worried he may need to restructure his budget should the taxi fares go up.
“What is painful with all of this is if the [taxi] prices go up, when the petrol [price] [eventually] goes down again, the taxi fare will not decrease but remain the same,” said Mathunjwa.