The taxi industry warns the country on a possible national shutdown due to the rapid increase on fuel prices.
National Taxi Alliance spokesperson, Theo Malele claim that they have been seeking for intervention from the government. The form of intervention they subjected to the government was for the levies to be relaxed and some of the taxes be removed from fuel.
Malele says the increase in fuel prices has negatively impacted the taxi industry.
“The impact of the fuel has been such that we are not able to meet our monthly financial obligations” he said.
He states that the increase in fuel prices isn’t only affecting taxi drivers but commuters as well. The increase in fuel has resulted to the increase in fares to certain destinations as well.
He believes that an ideal national shutdown would be commuters marching alongside them and getting support because the issue at hand is not only affecting them as the taxi industry but is affecting everyone.
He continues to mention that the taxi industry is under immense pressure due to fuel prices.
“The maintenance costs are also shooting up and this has therefore put us under immense pressure” he said.
Minister of Transport, Fikile Mbalula is set to meet up with the taxi association leaders this week to find solutions to the issue affecting the transport industry.
