Ride-hailing platform Bolt has confirmed it will adjust fares in response to sharp fuel price increases that came into effect this week, placing added pressure on drivers and commuters.
The latest adjustments saw 95 Unleaded petrol rise by R3.06 per litre, while 50ppm diesel increased by R7.51 per litre. The hikes have been largely attributed to rising global oil prices linked to ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
TEMPORARY FARE ADJUSTMENTS
According to Bolt South Africa Senior Operations Manager Simo Kalajdzic, the company will introduce temporary fare increases to help drivers manage escalating fuel costs.
He explained that fuel remains a major expense for drivers, and the pricing changes are intended to support sustainable earnings while maintaining service reliability. The adjustments will be reviewed regularly and may be reversed if fuel prices stabilise or decline.
BALANCING COSTS AND AFFORDABILITY
Bolt said it is aiming to strike a balance between supporting drivers and keeping rides affordable for passengers. While fares may increase, the company plans to continue offering targeted discounts and platform-funded subsidies to cushion the impact on commuters.
The platform also indicated that it will continue using a flexible, data-driven pricing model to respond to further changes in fuel prices, should costs continue to rise.
WIDER TRANSPORT IMPACT
The fare adjustments come amid broader concerns across South Africa’s transport sector. The South African National Taxi Council (SANTACO) has already warned that taxi fare increases may be on the horizon as operators grapple with rising fuel costs.
SANTACO spokesperson Rebecca Phala said the combination of fuel price hikes, supply concerns, and early price adjustments at some petrol stations is placing significant strain on the taxi industry.
As fuel prices continue to climb, both ride-hailing services and traditional public transport operators are expected to adjust pricing, signalling increased costs for commuters in the coming weeks.
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