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Matatu operators in Mombasa are appealing to the government to intervene and reduce the cost of fuel.

Led by Matatu Owners Association Coast Region Coordinator Salim Mbarak, the operators said the rising fuel prices have made life unbearable for many people.

The association is contemplating hiking transport fares if the situation persists. Barak confirmed he has called for a meeting with transport sector players before increasing transport fares.

 “We will call for a meeting with all matatu SACCOs in the Coast region and discuss this matter, after which we will brief the people on whether we will increase the fare prices or not,” he said.

Speaking in Kongowea, Mombasa town, Peter Kabwire, a matatu operator, said life is getting harder by the day.

He said he at times had to use his wages to pay for extra fuel charges after failing to make profits from his daily work.

“We depend on this matatu sector to earn a living. Increasing fuel prices will adversely affect the matatu sector. I am paid on commission, my boss will not agree to me bringing less money because of fuel inflation,” he complained.

Kabwire said he makes Sh2,500 daily and fuels the matatu at Sh2,100. This leaves him with onlySh400 to present to his boss, which is below the daily target.

In Mombasa, petroleum which was being sold at Sh156 is now selling at Sh176 per litre and diesel, which cost Sh137, is now selling at Sh162.

Tony Nzioka commission matatu driver said the constant hikes of fuel have negatively affected their sector, adding that the rise in fuel prices will simultaneously cause the prices of other commodities to go up.

“Fuel is one of the basic commodities- it is the standard of the prices of every other commodity. If it increases then obviously every item in the market will increase,” he said.

Nzioka said the President’s idea to reduce the price of fertilizer is not going to change a lot in the economy since fuel will be needed to facilitate transportation to different parts of the country.

Kabwire said he makes Sh2, 500 daily and fuels the matatu at Sh2,100. This leaves him with onlySh400 to present to his boss, which is below the daily target.