Kimberley’s taxi industry is feeling the strain following the latest fuel price adjustments announced by the Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources for June. While petrol prices have increased by R1.43 per litre, diesel prices have seen a modest decrease of between R2.62 and R3.25 per litre, depending on the grade.
Local taxi drivers, who serve as key spokespersons for the sector, report that the petrol hike is significantly impacting their daily operations. Several drivers noted they are now required to refuel more than once a day due to increased costs and demanding schedules.
A local taxi driver spokesperson explained the operational challenge: “Since the petrol is up, I have to fill up twice because I’m going to the schools now. I drive school children and then come back at 4:00 to drive again. So it is a problem compared to before. Before I was only filling up once.”
Another taxi driver spokesperson emphasized the broader financial pressure: “It affects us too much. Like we can’t even really work because petrol prices are too high during the day. We can’t even drive three or four loads. We have to put petrol every now and then because of too much.”
While diesel users may benefit from the slight price reduction, reactions suggest the change offers limited immediate relief. A female diesel user spokesperson commented: “I think every little bit makes a difference. And if it should come down in the months to come, we would then feel the difference. But for now, I suppose it won’t make much of a difference. But every little bit helps.”
The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources confirmed the June adjustments, with petrol rising and diesel experiencing a marginal decline. Industry participants maintain that sustained high fuel costs continue to challenge the viability of daily transport services in the region.
