By Priya Ranchod
The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has committed to a series of consultations with industry stakeholders, fuel suppliers and government departments following the latest increase in fuel prices and ongoing uncertainty surrounding fuel costs.
The decision was taken during a meeting of the organisation’s National Office Bearers in Kempton Park on Tuesday (6 October 2026), where leadership reviewed the growing financial strain facing taxi operators, employees within the sector and millions of commuters who rely on public transport daily.
Recognising the far reaching impact of fuel price hikes, SANTACO will begin engaging its members nationwide to assess how the increases are affecting businesses across the taxi industry. Discussions will also be held with fuel suppliers and industry partners to explore whether relief measures can be achieved through the sector’s collective purchasing power.
The council has further resolved to engage the National Department of Transport and other relevant government stakeholders in search of practical solutions that could lessen the burden of rising fuel costs on both the taxi industry and the travelling public.
While concerns about possible fare adjustments continue to circulate, SANTACO has emphasised that no decision has been taken regarding taxi fare increases. The organisation acknowledges that any change in fares has a direct impact on commuters and believes that every possible alternative should be considered before a final position is reached.
According to the council, the priority is to find a balanced and sustainable solution that takes into account the financial realities facing taxi operators, industry employees and passengers alike. This comes at a time when households and businesses across South Africa are grappling with mounting economic challenges.
Consultations are expected to continue, with the matter set to be tabled before SANTACO’s National Executive Committee at its meeting on Wednesday for further deliberation. The council says it will communicate its official position once a collective decision has been reached.
In the meantime, SANTACO has appealed to commuters and the general public not to be influenced by speculation regarding potential fare increases. The organisation reiterated that no announcement has been made on any increase in taxi fares and urged stakeholders to await the outcome of ongoing consultations.