The shortage of buses and taxis coupled with the increase in fuel prices has seen public transport operators lifting their fares above the approved fares by the country’s consumer watchdog, prompting it to bark a warning to operators.

According to the Independent Consumer and Competitions Commission (ICCC), the current operation carried out by the police and the Road Traffic Authority (RTA) in cracking down on unregistered and unroadworthy vehicles in Port Moresby city, has seen the number of Public Motor Vehicles (PMVs) and taxis reduced. This has led to the others still operating to take advantage of the situation and illegally increase their fares.

“In light of this, all licensed PMV and taxi owners and operators currently providing services must strictly comply with the maximum approved fares, as published by the ICCC in National Gazette No. G21 of 9th January 2026. The ICCC has already factored in the full costs of compliance with safety and other statutory requirements when setting the fares,” the ICCC stated.

The Police and RTA are currently undertaking random inspections at designated bus stops and on the major roads. Any operator found to be in breach of any rules and regulations administered by the RTA, Police, and the ICCC, will be heavily penalized.

The ICCC reiterates that any operator found to be charging above the approved fares is unlawful and may be prosecuted under the Prices Regulation (Amendment) Act 2025 (‘PR Act’). Offenders may be prosecuted and, upon conviction, face maximum monetary penalties of up to K10,000 for summary offences and up to K30,000 for indictable offences.

The ICCC further urges all commuters to be aware of the approved fares and report any instances of overcharging or failure by operators to complete their licensed routes to the ICCC, Police, and/or RTA.

Any enquiries in relation to above should be forwarded to the ICCC on telephone number 312 4600 or on email infor@iccc.gov.pg.