WILLEMSTAD – Taxi union SINUSTA is calling on the Curaçao government to include taxi drivers in its fuel subsidy and financial relief measures, warning that rising fuel prices are putting many drivers under severe financial pressure.
The appeal comes as Curaçao faces the impact of the international energy crisis and higher global oil prices, which have already triggered a significant increase in local fuel costs.
According to SINUSTA, the taxi sector is being hit particularly hard because drivers are facing a double economic blow: higher operational costs while customer demand for taxi services continues to decline.
The union says that combination is threatening the income and survival of many independent taxi operators.
Last week, the government announced a support package aimed at cushioning the economic impact of rising living costs and fuel prices.
As part of that package, the government confirmed subsidies for the Autobus Bedrijf Curaçao (ABC) to prevent bus fares from increasing.
Drivers of small public buses were also included in the relief measures, receiving fuel support through a reduced-rate subsidy system.
But taxi drivers were left out.
SINUSTA says it supports the government’s decision to help vulnerable groups and critical sectors, but expressed disappointment that the taxi industry was not explicitly included.
The union argues that taxi drivers are also part of the transportation sector and should receive equal consideration.
Unlike bus operators, many taxi drivers work as self-employed entrepreneurs and depend entirely on daily income to cover fuel, maintenance, insurance and household expenses.
With fuel prices rising sharply and fewer customers using taxis, many drivers say profit margins are shrinking rapidly.
SINUSTA noted that government officials have indicated discussions are underway to support micro and small businesses as part of broader economic relief efforts.
The union now hopes the taxi sector will be included in those talks.
According to SINUSTA, supporting taxi drivers would not only protect livelihoods but also help maintain an essential transportation service for residents and tourists.
The union says many drivers are already struggling to absorb the latest fuel increases and warns that without assistance, some may be forced to reduce operations or leave the sector entirely.
Fuel prices on Curaçao are set to rise this week, with gasoline increasing by 34 cents and diesel by 35 cents per liter, following international market pressures linked to geopolitical instability and oil market uncertainty.
For taxi drivers, whose business depends directly on fuel, the impact is immediate.
SINUSTA says it remains hopeful that the government will recognize the taxi sector’s economic vulnerability and extend support measures before the situation worsens.