The rising cost of fuel is putting pressure on Namibia's public transport operators, with bus and taxi drivers threatening to increase fares, particularly as the festive season approaches.

Taxi drivers in Windhoek are calling for an increase in taxi fares by another ten percent following last Wednesday's fuel price hikes, which saw petrol rise by two dollars and diesel by N$3 per litre. 

Public transport operators say the constant increases in fuel prices are stretching their budgets to breaking point.

Many operators and other drivers the NBC News team spoke to say the latest increase in petrol price of N$1.50 adds to their already strained earnings.

Windhoek residents were given an opportunity to experience public transport for free today, as the City of Windhoek marked Public Transport Awareness Day.

Urban and inter-departmental public transport in Santa Cruz de la Sierra is operating with a heavily reduced fleet, the result of the diesel shortage that has hit the country since May. 

Transport companies have cut frequencies and rescheduled journeys due to the lack of fuel.

The City of Windhoek says the future of Windhoek's transport system will not be determined by how many roads they build but by how successfully they provide residents with safe, reliable, and attractive alternatives to using private vehicles.

The Namibia Bus and Taxi Association (NABTA) has announced its return to full operations following months of administrative challenges, unveiling a new digital system aimed at transforming the country's public transport sector.

Taxi drivers in Katima Mulilo have bemoaned a high number of unregistered taxis in the town.

They say unregistered taxis are benefiting more than them from the recent two-dollar increase in taxi fare, as they do not pay set road transport charges.

The bulk of taxi operators in Nkurenkuru are unlicensed, with only four operating legally. 

This information was revealed during a meeting held by the Namibia Public Passenger Transport Association (NPPTA) with transport operators.

The rising fuel prices is affecting public transport operators. With taxi and bus fares expected to increase on 18 May. 

Pendapala Nakathingo unpacks what this means for both operators and commuters.