WHILE the fuel prices keep on fluctuating mainly due to the rand/dollar exchange rate and the price of oil on the global front, the local taxi industry is likely to shed a few more tears as challenges keep on mounting.

Failure to deal with pirate taxis and “catch a ride” transportation is among many trials affecting the industry, thus forcing many legitimate operators out of business.

Those that remain in business are projected to continue suffering while more people will be pushed into poverty.

Coping with the continuous increase is hard not only on the industry but also on ordinary people, all of which are still trying to recover from the impacts of the COVID-19 lockdowns.

With the uncomfortable earning margin, the taxi industry has been pushing for higher tariffs or stipends to assist. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, gas prices have seen drastic price changes as well.

“We are still struggling and complaining because as long as petrol prices are above M20, the industry will continue suffering. On top of that, we are forced to deal with other challenges that include pirate taxis and “catch a ride” transport. So it is really difficult to survive under such conditions. The best option at the moment would be to further increase taxi fares. Other than that, our struggles will never be solved,” Maseru Region Transport Operators (MRTO) spokesperson, Lebohang Moea said on Tuesday.

The local fuel prices are tied to two key factors, the rand/dollar exchange rate and the price of oil.

The oil prices factor into the cost of international petroleum products in the market, while the rand’s strength determines the cost of importing these products and fuel in general.