Mohale FM Public transport operators have expressed frustration over the government’s delay in increasing transport fares, despite the continued rise in fuel prices. They say the lack of timely action has left them struggling to cope with escalating operational costs.
Speaking in an interview with Mohale FM, Mr. Bataung Thulo of the Maseru Region Transport Operators (MRTO) said the public should have been officially notified through a Government Gazette at least a month in advance to allow for proper preparation for any fare increases.
He explained that although a consultant had previously recommended a two maloti increase for short-distance trips, that proposal was made before the latest surge in fuel prices. As a result, he argued that the recommended fares should now be reassessed to reflect current economic conditions.
Calls for fare increases are not new, but they have intensified following the recent fuel price hikes. Petrol 93 has risen by 6.70 maloti per litre, Petrol 95 by 7.35 maloti per litre, and diesel by 13.10 maloti per litre.
In response, the government has introduced a subsidy of two maloti per litre to help cushion the impact of the increases. However, transport operators maintain that this measure is not sufficient to offset their growing costs.
