Fuel, arguably the biggest driver of the country's economy, has once again proven its might. About three days back, Diesel reached the 5,000/= mark a litre, while Petrol is sold between 5,600/= - 7,000/= a litre at different petrol stations.
This has 'forced' stakeholders in the transportation business to come up with new transportation charges, depending on the distance one is travelling. The state minister for transport Byamukama Fred has come out to confirm that as a ministry, they're well aware about the planned increament in transport fares but this is to be done in a regulated manner, not to over charge travellers.
In an agreement between Uganda Taxi Operators Federation (UTOF) and the ministry of worksa and transport, the two agreed that because of the increasing price on fuel, entra shillings are to be added to transport costs.
Travellers within the city boundaries will now pay an extra 500/=, those beyond 35km trips will pay an extra 1000/= while those travelling 40km-100km will be subject to an extra 2000/=. The minister however stated that no increament should exceed 5,000/= anf trips beyond 140kms are the ones to pay and extra 5,000/=
The new transport fares are expected to begin next week, and one wonders whether this is the only solution the government could come up. Operators in the public transport are also known for sticking to new prices even when the situation returns to normal. Shall we see the same case when fuel finally go back to favorable prices (if they ever get back to normal anyway) or this is also part of the new normal?
