(MENAFN- Muscat Daily) Muscat- Taxi fares, which have been seeing a jump in the last few years, are expected to increase further as crude oil prices continue to hover around US$80. While taxi drivers say the hike is inevitable if the fuel prices go up, travellers are complaining of the impact it will have on their pockets.
'Hike in crude prices may be good for the government but it has a knock-on effect on the market. Commuters will have to face the brunt. I just started my job and I cannot afford a car yet, and so, I commute by taxi. If the fares keep increasing like this it would become difficult to save anything for my future needs,' said Salim Harith, who just got a job in Muscat.
Taxi drivers say fares in Muscat did not increase for many years and the hike now would be justified. 'We understand that international crude prices are going up and this will automatically jack up local fuel prices. Many taxi drivers believe fares are still low even though there has been a jump in rates in the past few years. I used to spend RO2 for petrol every day but now I have to spend RO5. If we don't charge more now it will be difficult to survive,' said Haamid al Selaimi, a taxi owner based in Muscat. Abdullah Hamad, another taxi driver, said fares have gone up by more than 50 per cent in just two years but are still too less for making any profit.
'Around two years ago, we used to charge 200bz from Ruwi till Al Khuwayr and now we charge 400bz. As for engaged taxi service, we used to charge RO1 but now it can go up to RO3. Even though the prices have increased we still don't make much profit. Everything is expensive now, be it renewal of taxi registration, spare parts and of course fuel. I would appreciate if the government finds an affordable solution for both taxi owners and commuters,' he said.
Another taxi commuter, who wished to remain anonymous, said, 'I understand the fares need to be adjusted according to the international fuel prices, but commuters' interests too should be considered. If the fares keep increasing this way, the number of people using taxis may go down.'
Fuad al Farsi, another taxi driver said increasing prices may discourage people from using taxis. 'I certainly foresee a drop in passengers. Even a small hike affects us, however taxis remain the most convenient and preferred mode of transport. So, we still have hope,' he said.
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