Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula will begin talks with taxi association leaders this week, in an attempt to halt a potential national shutdown over the high fuel prices.

After this month’s petrol increase of more than R2 a litre, the industry said it was forced to also increase their prices by at least R2 a trip.

However, those making use of public transport voiced their frustration saying it’s becoming difficult to afford travelling costs to get to and from work daily.

Taxis are South Africa’s most used medium of public transport. Leaders have called on government to intervene.

Should the industry embark on a national shutdown, it would bring large parts of the country to a standstill; directly impacting the economy.