Economy

MBABANE – Consumers are bracing for a fresh wave of rising living costs after government announced steep fuel price increases, as transport operators simultaneously push for an immediate 25 per cent fare hike.

The Swaziland Local Transport Association (SLTA) says the increase is not a new demand, but the outstanding portion of a 50 per cent adjustment approved in 2014, only half of which was implemented at the time.

At a meeting held in Manzini yesterday, attended by transport representatives from across the country, operators resolved that the remaining 25 per cent should now be effected without delay.

SLTA chairman Ambrose Dlamini said the association was awaiting a meeting with Minister for Public Works and Transport, Chief Ndlaluhlaza Ndwandwe, to finalise timelines and modalities.

“This is not a new request. It was already granted. What remains is to implement what was left out,” he said.

Operators argue that the delayed implementation has been eroded by inflation, rising fuel costs and mounting operational expenses, leaving the sector under severe financial strain. Many say current fares barely cover fuel, with little left for maintenance, loan repayments or profit.

According to the association’s leadership, the fare adjustment does not require a fresh legislative process, as it was already approved in principle years ago, but staggered due to economic considerations at the time. Only half of the increase 25 per cent was implemented, leaving the remaining portion pending.

Now, operators argue that the prolonged delay has placed immense financial strain on the sector, making the implementation of the outstanding adjustment unavoidable.

Association Chairman Ambrose Dlamini confirmed that the organisation is now awaiting a crucial meeting with the Minister for Public Works and Transport, Chief Ndlaluhlaza, where the focus will be on determining the timeline and modalities for rolling out the increase.

“This is not a new request. This is something that was already granted. What we are doing now is implementing what was left out from that 50 per cent adjustment,” he said during the meeting.

He stressed that the association’s position is that the remaining increment should be treated as an administrative implementation rather than a fresh proposal requiring parliamentary processes.

Operators at the meeting echoed this stance, arguing that the long delay in implementing the second phase of the increase has effectively eroded its value due to inflation, rising fuel costs and escalating operational expenses.

Many pointed out that the public transport business is currently operating on extremely thin margins, with some indicating that fares barely cover fuel costs, leaving little cash for maintenance, loan repayments or profit sustainability.

The meeting painted a picture of an industry under significant stress, with operators highlighting the rising cost of spare parts, frequent vehicle breakdowns and increased competition as major challenges.

Members said the failure to fully implement the 2014 fare structure had left the sector exposed, particularly as economic conditions have worsened over the years.

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Consumers are bracing for a fresh wave of rising living costs after government announced steep fuel price increases.