Fuel increase worries Solwezi taxi drivers

Fri, 16 Feb 2018 12:20:47 +0000

By JACKSON MAPAPAYI 

The recent fuel increment by Energy Regulations Board (ERB) has been received with mixed feeling by motorists in Solwezi.

In random interviews with the Daily Nation, some Taxi drivers complained that the move will impact negatively on their daily cashing as the number of commuters would reduce.

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, George Mutwale, a taxi driver from Messenger Township, complained that it would take much time for them to get used to the upward adjustment.

Mr. Mutwale said a distance which used to cost K20 may now cost K30 following the recent fuel increase.

‘’it’s likely that we as taxi drivers may also increase on the fees because we shall consider the distance also,’’ Mr. Mutwale said.

And an on the spot check at various filling stations found business going on normally as confirmed by their management.

On Tuesday, the Energy Regulations Board (ERB) increased the price of petrol from 12.97 to 13.75 while diesel and kerosene has been increased from 11.9 to 12.1 and 7.82 to 8.85 respectively.

ERB board chairperson Raymond Mpundu noted that the adjustment in prices was based on the current cargo of finished petroleum products and petroleum feedstock.