Taxi fares won't rise for now. What SANTACO promised commuters
Photo: StephenMarquard, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Minibus taxi fares won't go up because of fuel prices for now. The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) said on 22 October 2026 there will be no immediate fuel-related fare increases while it keeps talking to government about longer-term relief (Jacaranda FM, IOL).
Why are taxi fares not going up?
SANTACO tied the decision to the temporary fuel levy cut Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced in the mini budget on 21 October. The cut runs in two stages (SAnews):
- 4 November to 1 December 2026: R3 a litre off diesel, R1.50 off petrol
- 2 December 2026 to 5 January 2027: R1.50 a litre off diesel, R1 off petrol
SANTACO spokesperson Rebecca Phala said the council recognised the need to protect commuters from extra financial strain while keeping operators on the road (IOL).
Could fares still rise later?
Possibly. SANTACO's promise is "no immediate" increase, and it has not said how long that holds. Phala warned that short-term relief can't fix the industry's structural cost pressures, and pointed to the levy cut ending on 5 January 2027 as a reason for more talks with government (Jacaranda FM).
SANTACO president Motlhabane Abnar Tsebe asked taxi structures to "communicate responsibly" with operators and commuters while those talks continue (Jacaranda FM).
What does this mean for your commute?
For now, expect to pay the same fare on your usual route. If a local association announces a change, check whether it is linked to fuel costs, since SANTACO's assurance covers fuel-related increases only (IOL).
The levy cut does not guarantee cheaper fuel either. The final November pump price still depends on oil prices and the rand, and is only confirmed when the official monthly adjustment is announced (SAnews).
FAQ
Are taxi fares going up in November 2026?
SANTACO said on 22 October 2026 there will be no immediate fuel-related fare increases while it engages government on longer-term relief.
Why did SANTACO hold taxi fares?
It welcomed the temporary fuel levy cut announced in the 2026 mini budget, which takes R3 a litre off diesel from 4 November to 1 December 2026.
When does the fuel levy relief end?
The larger cut runs from 4 November to 1 December 2026. A smaller cut of R1.50 a litre on diesel and R1 on petrol runs until 5 January 2027.
Could taxi fares rise after January 2027?
SANTACO has not ruled it out. It said temporary relief cannot fix the industry's structural cost pressures and that more talks with government are needed.