NHLANGANO – The Eswatini Interstate Transport Association (ESITA) has sanctioned an increase in cross-border transport fares, with the hike coming into effect on May 1, 2026.
In a memorandum issued on April 23, ESITA Secretary General Moses Mkhabela informed commuters that the association had ‘no alternative’ but to review fares due to escalating operational costs.
The notice, addressed to ‘valued customers’, outlines a revised pricing structure for several key regional routes.
Mkhabela expressed regret over the fare increase but said the surge in operating costs, driven by recent economic developments, left the association with no sustainable alternative.
He said the adjustments were necessary to ensure that operators remain viable and continue providing services.
The development follows a period of severe economic pressure on the transport sector.
The Times of Eswatini previously reported on April 8 that the industry was ‘bleeding millions of emalangeni per day’ following a government-mandated fuel price adjustment.
At the time, the Times of Eswatini reported that the sector was facing an unprecedented crisis, with each transport operator estimated to be losing E370 daily due to rising fuel costs.
With more than 2 000 public transport vehicles operating across the country, the cumulative losses have dealt a significant blow to the stability of the industry.
The root of the crisis dates back to April 3, when the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy announced a substantial fuel price increase.
Diesel rose from E19.85 to E25.20 per litre, while petrol increased from E19.45 to E22.35.
The ministry attributed the hikes to global supply constraints and the Gulf war, which led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for international oil shipments.
It further noted that Brent crude oil prices had surged to an average of US$104 per barrel in March 2026, resulting in a deficit of E332 million that the Strategic Oil Reserve Fund could only partially absorb.
Local transport operators have described the situation as unsustainable.
A kombi driver, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said operators were left with limited options.
“We are forced to either park our vehicles or break the law to survive,” he said, referring to practices such as overloading and deviating from designated routes.
For many operators, the financial model has become increasingly untenable.
A trip from the Manzini Bus Rank to Mobeni, which costs about E100 in diesel, generates only E10 per passenger.
Following the fuel increase, profit per trip has dropped from E50 to E36.
Drivers have also raised concerns about meeting daily remittance targets of E500 set by vehicle owners, warning that failure to do so could result in job losses.
While cross-border operators have already implemented the new fares, local public transport operators servicing domestic routes are yet to follow suit.
National Road Transport Council (NRTC) Chairman Sabelo Dlamini acknowledged the scale of losses facing the sector, but said efforts were underway to explore alternatives.
He said one proposal under consideration was engaging government to suspend fuel levies for a three-month ‘breather’ period to cushion operators and commuters.
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The Eswatini Interstate Transport Association has officially sanctioned a hike in cross-border fares, effective from May 1, 2026. (Courtesy pic)