Cape Town commuters have been given a breather, with MyCiTi and Golden Arrow Bus Services saying there will be no immediate further fare increases following the latest sharp rise in fuel prices. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources announced on Monday that fuel-price increases will take effect from October 7. The wholesale reference price of 0.005% sulphur diesel on the coast will rise by R3.24 a litre to R32.03, while the 0.05% sulphur grade will increase by R2.84 to R31.08 a litre.
The fuel price increase is attributed to a rise in international crude oil prices, with the average Brent crude price rising from US$87.89 to US$101 a barrel during the review period. The Department of Mineral and Petroleum Resources cited continued US/Iran tensions, uncertainty over oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, higher shipping costs, and declining inventories as the main drivers of the increase. The rand offered almost no relief, moving from R16.213 to R16.212 against the US dollar.
MyCiTi fares were already increased on July 1, 2026, with the City saying the adjustment reflected rising fuel and other operating costs. However, the City of Cape Town has announced that MyCiTi passengers will be spared another fare increase for now. MMC for Urban Mobility Rob Quintas stated that the fuel price increase will not affect MyCiTi bus fares, citing the city's fare adjustment mechanism that does not respond to a single month's movement in the fuel price.
Golden Arrow spokesperson Bronwen Dyke-Beyer said the company has no immediate plans to increase single-trip, weekly or monthly fares. Diesel makes up more than 30% of Golden Arrow's operating costs, with the company using about 25 million litres a year. However, Golden Arrow has warned that continued increases in fuel costs could result in fare reviews in the coming months.
Golden Arrow has deliberately done everything possible to absorb rising costs and limit the impact on passengers, recognising the significant financial pressures facing households. The company offers discounted fares for scholars and pensioners, providing additional support to passengers who may be particularly sensitive to increases in the cost of travel.
Despite the current reprieve, both MyCiTi and Golden Arrow have emphasized that they cannot rule out the need for future fare increases if fuel costs continue to escalate. The City of Cape Town and Golden Arrow have prioritized shielding passengers from fuel price shocks as far as possible, but the sustainability of their services remains a concern.
The decision to hold off on fare hikes will provide temporary relief to commuters in Cape Town, who are facing significant financial pressures due to rising living costs. The City of Cape Town and Golden Arrow will continue to monitor the situation and adjust their fares accordingly, taking into account the impact on passengers and the sustainability of their services.
Key points
- MyCiTi and Golden Arrow Bus Services will not increase fares immediately despite the sharp rise in fuel prices.
- The fuel price increase is attributed to a rise in international crude oil prices driven by US/Iran tensions and higher shipping costs.
- Golden Arrow and MyCiTi have emphasized that they may still review and adjust their fares in the coming months if fuel costs continue to escalate.
