Cabbies want taxi fares to increase, they want a fuel rebate and a reduction in duty on imported motor vehicles, says Fiji Taxi Association (FTA) general secretary Ashwin Lal.
He said because of the rise in prices of fuel and spare parts, they hoped the Government would consider their recommendations and reflect this in the 2023-2024 National Budget.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Professor Biman Prasad has been encouraging members of the public and representative organisations to make submissions at public budget consultations underway in the country.
Mr Lal said the association would soon be making a submission for Euro 4 petrol cars in Fiji.
“If Government can give us some rebate on fuel and some concession on vehicles as we will be making a submission for the Euro 4 cars only for taxis not for private cars,” he said.
“All our members are asking for Euro 4 cars and the reduction and concession of duty on motor vehicles.” Mr Lal said the association had been asking the Fijian Competition and Consumer Commission (FCCC) for another increase in taxi fares since last year.
He added for the wellbeing of taxidrivers in the country, Government and FCCC needed to consider the increase in the cost of living, tyres and car parts among others.
