BY RODRICK DESURI
AUKI
Transport fares in Malaita Province are expected to increase in the coming days following a sharp rise in fuel prices both in the province and in Honiara on Wednesday, April 22.
Taxi and pickup truck owners in Auki have indicated that fare adjustments are imminent as they struggle to cope with the escalating fuel costs.
Pickup truck driver Japheth Sau said operators will have to introduce new fares that reflect the rising cost of fuel while remaining fair to passengers.
“We should start charging now because fuel prices are very high. We also expect prices to continue rising in the coming months,” he said.
A local taxi owner echoed similar concerns, stating that current earnings are no longer sustainable under the existing fare structure.
“Right now, it feels like we are just working for basic food items like rice, sugar and cabbage. Taxi operators in Auki will soon meet to agree on new fare rates,” he said.
Fuel prices across Auki have already increased significantly, with most depots raising prices by between $15 and $16 per gallon since Wednesday.
EK Fuel Depot is currently the only outlet still selling at the old price of SBD $59 per gallon from its remaining stock.
Salesperson John Lea said the depot will maintain current prices until the old stock is depleted.
“We only have one drum left, so we will continue selling at $59 per gallon for mixed petrol and $55 for pure petrol.
“Once the new stock arrives, prices will be adjusted to reflect the new cost, while ensuring a small profit margin,” he said.
At RNR Fuel Depot, prices have already increased sharply. Mixed petrol has risen from $59 to $75 per gallon, while pure petrol has increased from $54 to $70.
William Ferafaita of RNR Fuel Depot attributed the increase to higher supplier prices in Honiara.
“Our suppliers in Honiara increased their prices on Wednesday, and this has directly affected our pricing,” he said.
Meanwhile, fuel prices in rural parts of Malaita are expected to climb even higher, with projections ranging between $90 and $100 per gallon.
The anticipated increase in transport fares is expected to place additional pressure on commuters already facing rising living costs.
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