BY BEN BILUA
Gizo
TAXI services in Gizo have increased their fares following a continued rise in fuel prices, marking the first adjustment since the onset of the current fuel crisis affecting the country.
Under the new pricing structure, passengers traveling from the market to Jah Mountain will now pay $35, while trips to Tophill have been set at $25. Taxi hire rates have also increased, with drivers now charging $150 per hour.
The fare adjustments come amid broader transport cost increases across Western Province, as operators struggle to cope with escalating fuel expenses.
Earlier this week, boat owners operating the Noro–Gizo route also raised their fares, citing fuel price hikes as the primary driver.
Transport operator Loncey Dalton said adult fares are expected to range between $250 and $300, while students will pay between $200 and $250.
Meanwhile, taxi operators in Noro are also preparing to revise their rates in the coming weeks.
Speaking to Island Sun yesterday, Noro-based taxi driver, Brendy Posala said drivers are awaiting an updated fuel price listing from South Pacific Oil before making a final decision.
“At the moment, we are still operating on our existing rates. We plan to wait for the new fuel price listing before we determine our new rates,” he said.
Posala acknowledged that the anticipated increases may not sit well with customers but stressed that operators have limited options.
“We fully understand that our clients will not be happy, but we have no choice,” he added.
Transport providers across the province continue to monitor fuel price movements as the cost of operations rises.
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