By RODRICK DESURI
Auki
Vehicle and outboard motor owners who run transport services in Auki, Malaita Province, have raised their passenger fares.
The increase is $5 to $10 on top of their normal passenger fares, due to the rise in petrol and diesel prices in Auki and rural fuel depots.
In an interview with John Gilo, owner of Let Transport, he said the increase in their passenger fares was due to the current fuel prices.
He said they have imposed an additional $5 and $10 on the normal fares to cover their fuel and engine costs. He added that even the prices of engine spare parts are also rising.
“The increase in passenger fares, which we have enforced on our normal fares, is to cover the fuel we use, since the price of fuel is increasing.
“Additionally, raising our fares will help safeguard our engines in case they become bankrupt or need servicing,” he said.
He mentioned that they charge an additional $5 and $10 depending on the destinations.
“We charge fares according to the distance of the destination we will take. This also applies to hiring,” he said.
One of the public transport services running along South Road has also been witnessed charging $40 for destinations where the normal fare was $30.
When asked why they charged an additional $10, the vehicle owner said it was because of the rise in fuel prices.
“Since we have known that our fuel prices are skyrocketing because of the current war in the Middle East, our fares will also be getting higher,” he said.
Meanwhile, this paper also spoke to passengers.
“We can’t say anything for now because we have already heard about it and know the rising fuel prices. The only thing is that the transport owners have charged reasonable fares, so it is fair to us all,” he said.
It is understood that fuel prices in the rural areas of Malaita Province are now reaching $100 to $150 or $200 per gallon for far destinations from Auki.
The current fuel prices in Auki is still ranging from $12.40 to $15.60 per litre of petrol and diesel.
For feedback, contact: [email protected]
Editor: [email protected]
