FUEL PRICE INCREASE DOES NOT AUTOMATICALLY JUSTIFY AN INCREASE IN PMV AND TAXI FARES

The Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC) wishes to inform all Public Motor Vehicle (‘PMV’) and taxi operators throughout Papua New Guinea that the increase in fuel prices effective 8^th November 2026 does not automatically warrant or authorise an increase in PMV and taxi fares.

The ICCC emphasises that all PMV and taxi fares must remain at the recently approved rates, as prescribed under Gazette No. 1044 of 2026, unless otherwise formally reviewed and approved by the ICCC.

The ICCC is concerned about reports of some PMV and taxi operators increasing fares in response to changes in fuel prices without obtaining the necessary approval.

The Commission, therefore, reminds all PMV and taxi operators of the following:

1. No unauthorised fare increases: Operators must continue charging fares at the approved rates. An increase in fuel prices does not give operators the right to independently increase fares.
2. Compliance with approved fares: All operators, including PMV and taxi operators, must comply with the applicable approved fare schedules and maximum fares for their respective routes and services.
3. Protection of commuters: Commuters should not be subjected to additional or above the approved rates.
4. Enforcement: The ICCC will independently monitor compliance with the approved fares and take appropriate enforcement action against operators found to be overcharging commuters.

The ICCC acknowledges the increasing cost pressures faced by transport operators. However, these pressures do not exempt operators from complying with the approved fare regulations.

ALL PMV AND TAXI OPERATORS ARE THEREFORE DIRECTED TO MAINTAIN THE CURRENTLY APPROVED FARES AND REFRAIN FROM IMPOSING ANY UNAUTHORISED FARE INCREASES.

The ICCC will not hesitate to take appropriate action against operators found charging fares above the approved rates. Operators found to be overcharging will be prosecuted under the Prices Regulation Act with penalties of up to K10,000 for less serious offences and K30,000 for more serious offences.

Passengers and members of the public are encouraged to report instances of PMV and taxi overcharging to the ICCC.

For further information or complaints, please contact the ICCC on telephone 312 4600 or WhatsApp 70368350 and email infor@iccc.gov.pg/complaints@iccc.gov.pg.