JOHANNESBURG - The National Taxi Alliance is calling on the government to implement austerity measures to cut spending and cushion citizens from rising fuel prices.
The price of 93 unleaded petrol is set to increase by R3.12 a litre, while 95 petrol will rise by R3.33 from Wednesday.
This will be one of the biggest fuel price increases in recent years.
Diesel prices will also rise by between R2.84 and R3.24 a litre.
The increases come as the conflict between Iran and the United States continues to put pressure on global oil prices.
The NTA’s Theo Malele says motorists could pay an additional R500 a month at the pumps for petrol vehicles, and around R700 for diesel vehicles.
“This is quite big for our pockets,” he says.
“We have been trying to stomach this, but it is now serious and really needs government intervention,” he adds.
Malele says the government could consider reducing the size of Cabinet and cutting back on expenses such as lunches and travel to free up funds to assist citizens.
The NTA is expected to meet with government to discuss possible interventions before deciding whether to increase taxi fares.