Mozambique: Transporters paralyse activities in xai-xai city and chongoene district

Operators demand fare increases and claim that fuel costs have made the business unsustainable. Semi-collective passenger transporters in the city of Xai-Xai and the district of Chongoene paralysed activities this Friday to demand a revision of transport fares. In the city of Xai-Xai, the paralysis involves transporters from different urban routes, who claim difficulties in continuing to operate due to the increase in fuel costs.

Currently, the fare charged is 20 meticais, but operators advocate for an increase to 25 meticais. Meanwhile, in the district of Chongoene, transporters serving the Xai-Xai/Chongoene route are claiming a fare increase from the current 30 to 50 meticais, alleging that operational costs have become unsustainable. The paralysis is creating mobility difficulties for hundreds of passengers, many of whom face constraints in reaching workplaces, schools, hospitals, and markets.

Meanwhile, transporters appeal for dialogue with the competent authorities for the revision of fares, while users are concerned about the impact that an eventual increase could have on the cost of living. Despite the Government guaranteeing subsidies for urban public transport to maintain current prices, the paralysis continues to affect users.