The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed to Gulf News on Saturday that taxi fares in Dubai have increased following a hike in fuel prices in July.

In contrast, other modes of public transport remain unchanged, such as Dubai Metro, Tram, and public buses.

The RTA told Gulf News in an exclusive statement: "Any change in taxi fares is driven by the fluctuating fuel prices in the local market and is calculated based on fuel usage per kilometre."

According to RTA, the forethought increase will not affect opening/booking fares (for taxis).

Thus, the minimum taxi fare of Dh12 will remain unchanged in Dubai, but total fare will be affected - based on the full taxi trip as the price change will be reflected on the subsequent per kilometre fare.

Drivers of taxis report that they are now paying Dh2.21 per km rather than Dh1.99. Consequently, a 10-kilometer taxi ride will now cost Dh2.20 more.

In addition, the RTA noted that public transportation is still the most economical mode of transportation.

Dubai's RTA operates various public transportation systems, such as the Dubai Metro, Tram, public buses, and its integrated marine transportation system. Additionally, the public buses provide an intercity service to other emirates," explained RTA.

On Thursday, the UAE fuel price committee announced fuel prices for the month of July as follows: Super 98 petrol is now Dh4.63 per liter, up from Dh4.15 a liter in June; and Special 95, which was Dh4.03 a liter last month, is now Dh4.52 per liter. In June, the cost of E-91 was Dh3.96/ liter; in July, it is Dh4.76/ liter, up from Dh4.14/ liter in June.

The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA), announced earlier that it would amend the taxi meter tariff in the emirate, starting July 2022, "in accordance with the decision of the Sharjah Executive Council."

According to SRTA, the flexible pricing of taxi meter tariffs is in line with the current economic changes following the liberalization of fuel prices. SRTA chairman Yusuf Khamis Al Othmani explained that the amendment is based on the principle of liberalizing fuel prices, as the tariff for opening the meter is adjusted either by increase or decrease based on fuel prices approved by the Ministry of Energy.

A surge in petrol prices has prompted Uber to raise its UAE fares. Following the first fare increase in March, this was the second this year.