Kenyans using matatus will now dig deeper into their pockets after operators announced a fare increase following the latest rise in fuel prices.
This follows the review of fuel prices by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority, where the price of diesel surpassed the KSh200 threshold per litre.
The review saw a significant increase in the prices with petrol increasing by an estimated Ksh28 and diesel increasing by more than Ksh40 per litre. The price of diesel is now Ksh206.
As such, matatu operators have been severely affected with the new prices of fuel, because the majority of the public service vehicles use diesel. As such, it has become difficult for the operators to manage therefore the increase in fares.
According to the Kenya Transporters Association, fuel costs are high, which is pushing up transport costs, and the only way operators can manage is by increasing prices.
Albert Karakacha, Matatu Owners Association Chairman, noted that they had consulted and agreed to increase fares, effective Wednesday.
Even with the hike, according to the government, attempts were made to minimize its effects by reducing VAT on fuel and using money from the Petroleum Development Levy.
However, a lot of commuters will feel the pain once the new fare regime is implemented.
