(March 18): ComfortDelGro Corp, Singapore’s largest taxi operator, will raise fares temporarily as it moves to shield cabbies from surging fuel costs driven by a global energy shock.
Passengers will pay an additional S$0.50 (US$0.39, or RM1.52) to S$0.80 for trips starting from March 24, the company said in a social media post on Tuesday (March 17). Metered rides will also see a S$0.01 increase in the distance-time rate.
The full amount collected will go directly to drivers, said the firm which operates more than 8,400 taxis locally. The measures will remain in place until May 31.
Fuel costs have surged worldwide as the war in Iran pushed oil past US$100 a barrel. Gasoline, diesel and liquefied natural gas have become even more expensive, hitting transport operators and raising power bills. Higher pump and energy prices are adding to inflation worries and stretching household budgets, especially in fuel-importing regions like Asia.
Singapore has urged households and businesses to conserve electricity and adopt energy-efficient appliances. In Thailand, a worsening fuel shortage is threatning sacred funeral ceremonies. The Philippines imposed a temporary four-day week for government offices and limited elevator use.
Uploaded by Liza Shireen Koshy
