TAXI drivers in Georgetown have now joined mini-bus operators demanding that commuters pay more for their services, despite the fact that no official fare increase has been sanctioned by the various associations of the latter and the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce. The taxis want to charge an additional $100 for journeys around the city.
For several weeks now, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, Mr. Manniram Prashad has been engaged in discussions with representatives of General Mini-bus Association, Guyana Public Transportation Association and Route 32 Mini-bus Association in relation to the rising fuel prices and implications for the service providers as well as the travelling public.
Just last week, however, the minister pointed out that government has taken steps to reduce the excise tax on gasolene and will be working with the public, through his ministry, to ensure the cost of fuel remains affordable to the users.
Finance Minister, Dr. Ashni Singh announced a further reduction in the excise tax, to 20 percent, so the price for gasolene is under $1,000 per gallon and the presidents of all of the Associations have not agreed to up fares, Prashad said.
He noted, too, that the price of crude oil on the world market had risen and government intervened with the aim of cushioning the effects of that significant upward price movement on domestic consumers.
Prashad also reminded the transport providers of the agreement to keep fares stable providing the fuel prices do not exceed $1,000 a gallon.
But, in spite of continued pronouncements of no increases by Minister Prashad, President of Guyana Public Transportation Association, Mr. Vibert Belle; Route 32 Mini-bus Association President, Mr. James Cowsil and President of the Guyana Mini-bus Association, Mr. Lylon Weithers, fares along several routes have gone up.
While fuel prices at the pumps remain below $1,000 a gallon, many operators are claiming that the cost is still too high and are exacting the higher charges for  their services.

Responses
The Guyana Chronicle contacted several taxi services on the issue yesterday and got the following responses:
“Drivers are complaining about the rising cost for gas and are telling us that they would like $100 to be added to the price for drops around Georgetown,” explained Ms. Khan at Sheriff Taxi Service.
She said, presently, GUYOIL is charging $980 per gallon, which justifies a review of their fare structure.
Khan said: “It makes a lot of sense for us and I can see why the buses have raised their prices but we are still to meet with our drivers to discuss the possibility of an increase.”
Ms. McGregor, at Patrick’s Taxi Service, observed that the price of fuel has risen over the years even though it has not surpassed $1,000 per gallon.
“There has been talk by some of the drivers who continue to monitor the gas station prices but none of them have come out and discussed it openly with us,” she said.
McGregor said, though, that, if the gas price increases further, a fare increase would be imposed.
Meanwhile, in light of the contemplated increase in taxi fares, as well, commuters are, once again, appealing to the relevant authorities to find a solution as they cannot afford to pay what is being proposed.