Govt assures public transport prices will not rise, carriers disagree – Mozambique

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Govt assures public transport prices will not rise, carriers disagree – Mozambique

9:20 CAT | 03 Oct 2016

Domingo (File photo)

The fuel price went up on Saturday, but according to Minister of Economy and Finance Adriano Maleiane this increase will not raise public transport or minibus fares.

“Transport fares will not increase. The government will maintain subsidies at current levels and intervene if the price exceeds 31 meticais, as we always do so that those who most need transport are not affected,” Maleiane said.

Minister of Transport and Communications Carlos Mesquita said there was no reason for alarm and that the government will continue to subsidize transport.

Carriers however insist that fares will have to rise. Some drivers interviewed by ‘O País’ say they will take their vehicles off the road, claiming that the current fares will be unsustainable since maintenance costs have also risen.

The semi-collective carriers say that the 7 and 9 meticais fares should be increased. Private car drivers are also complaining about the price hike and are reportedly considering stopping driving to work.

The new fuel prices took effect on Saturday. The government justifies the increase with the need for compatibility with existing import costs.

Source: Folha de Maputo / O País