SANTACO Delays Taxi Fare Decision After Fuel Prices Surge, South Africans Weigh In on Decision
- The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) discussed whether taxi fares would increase
- Discussions are being held following the sharp fuel price rises, which took effect on 7 October 2026
- South Africans weighed in on SANTACO's comments, with many suggesting that trains replace taxis
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Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He worked as a newspaper journalist for 10 years before transitioning to online.
GAUTENG — The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has announced it will not make any immediate decision on taxi fare adjustments, following fuel price increases that took effect on 7 October 2026.
Petrol and diesel prices rose sharply at midnight, pushing inland 95 unleaded petrol to R30.25 per litre and inland 93 unleaded to R29.88 per litre.
Coastal 95 unleaded settled at R29.38 per litre, while wholesale 50ppm diesel in Gauteng reached approximately R32.80 per litre before retail margins — representing one of the largest monthly fuel price increases recorded in 2026.
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SANTACO calls for calm amid speculation
SANTACO spokesperson Rebecca Phala said the council's position was agreed upon during a National Office Bearers (NOB) meeting held in Kempton Park on Tuesday, 7 October 2026. Leadership used the session to weigh the full extent of the fuel cost burden on taxi operators, industry employees and the commuting public.
"At this stage, SANTACO is making no announcement regarding possible taxi fare increases," Phala said. "The Council recognises that any adjustment to fares has a direct impact on commuters and therefore believes that all possible options must first be explored before a position is reached."
The council urged commuters and the public to remain calm and disregard speculation circulating about imminent fare hikes.
SANTACO said it would engage directly with industry members to evaluate how the latest increases are affecting operators. The council also intends to approach fuel suppliers and business partners to explore potential relief measures, citing the taxi industry's collective purchasing power as a possible lever for negotiating cushioning arrangements.
How did South Africans react?
The announcement drew varied responses on social media.
Daryl Parker called for greater investment in rail infrastructure, writing:
"Let's get those trains fully operational. Reduce the number of taxis on the roads and create a safer, more efficient form of travel for commuters."
Suresh Thulsi agreed:
"About time to get the trains back on track."
Fonso Hendricks questioned whether fare relief would follow any future fuel price drop, asking:
"Now, what happens when the petrol prices drop by R10? Will you be able to drop the taxi fares? Asking for a friend."
Snara Chabalala was more sceptical, adding:
"Next week we will see the papers on the taxi windows that they increase the fare."
Barbara Allan stated:
"All motorists are under the same pressure."
Erick Mandevu Maromo exclaimed:
"They must not talk about petrol, because the taxi is already expensive."
Isaac Moeti said:
"SANTACO should have left bus operations alone. They should've left trains alone. Many of us can't afford the taxi fares."
COSATU calls for fuel levy relief
Briefly News reported that COSATU renewed calls for the government to temporarily suspend a portion of the fuel levy.
COSATU made the call following major price increases on 2 September 2026, saying the latest fuel price increases were unsustainable.
Preliminary data from the Central Energy Fund suggests further fuel price pressure could arrive in October 2026.
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Source: Briefly News
