THE National Road Transport Council (NRTC) executive committee is meeting public transport owners today to discuss a possible bus fare hike.
This follows government’s decision to implement the 40 cents per litre fuel levy, which was effected on Thursday midnight. However, the ministry of natural resources and energy explained; “this will not result in a fuel price increase this month as fuel products have shown a slight over-recovery recently.”
The meeting will be held at Matsapha Weighbridge at around 10am. NRTC Chairperson Sabelo Dlamini confirmed the meeting. He said the ENRTC would have no option but to effect a 100 per cent bus fare hike, shortly after government announced the implementation of the 40 cents fuel levy.
Dlamini said the levy was similar to a road fund, which they were already paying. He said there was E3.80 being deducted every time they purchased fuel.
Meanwhile, the new levy will not only affect public transport, but all motorists buying fuel locally.
Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources Lindiwe Mbingo, when announcing the new levy, said it was introduced by the provisions of the Roads Authority Act, 2023, which permits the introduction of roads authority levy.
She said the primary objective of the levy was to ensure the sustainable maintenance and improvement of the country’s road infrastructure.
