South Africa’s taxi industry is in turmoil after the latest fuel price hike sent fares skyrocketing, leaving millions of commuters struggling to cope.
“We cannot keep absorbing these costs. Passengers must understand,” said taxi association spokesperson Mandla Mthembu.
Petrol prices rose by 86 cents per litre this week, diesel by R1.02, sparking immediate fare increases across Gauteng, KwaZulu‑Natal, and the Western Cape. For many workers, the daily commute now consumes a significant portion of their wages.
The taxi industry, already notorious for chaotic regulation, is under fire. Critics argue that government has failed to stabilise fuel costs or provide subsidies. Calls are mounting for tighter oversight, with unions demanding intervention.
Commuters are furious. Social media is flooded with stories of workers forced to walk long distances or skip meals to afford transport. One Johannesburg cleaner told reporters: “I spend more on taxis than on food. How can we survive?”
The crisis highlights broader economic struggles. Inflation is rising, wages stagnant, and unemployment stubbornly high. For millions, taxis are not a choice but a lifeline.
Government has promised talks with industry leaders, but scepticism runs deep. Past negotiations have yielded little change.
The emotional toll is clear. Families are cutting back, workers are exhausted, and tensions between drivers and passengers are escalating. As one commuter put it: “We are paying the price for chaos on the roads.”
