The public will soon see an increase the fares for public transportation for both taxis and Public Motor Vehicles (PMVs) across Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 2026.

According to Independent Consumer and Competition Commission (ICCC), the PMV fares will see an increase of 20%, which is a 20toea increase on the current rate, while taxis will see a 16% increase this year, which is a 16toea increase.

These rates come under a total of 60% and 40% increases for PMVs and Taxis respectively, spread across the 2026 to 2030 regulation period.

The ICCC explained that within the first three years of the regulation period, from 2026 to 2028, the PMV fares will increase by 20% each year leading to a total of 60%, while for taxis, the changes will be 16% increase in 2026, 14% increase in 2027 and 10% increase in 2028. This is a total of 40%.

The next phase of rates for the remaining two years before the end of 2030, will be established by the ICCC after a review following the first three years of the five-year regulation period of 2026 to 2030.

The ICCC Acting Chief Executive Officer and Associate Commissioner (Resident), Mr. Jack Timi, in an earlier statement released by the Commission, stated that in addition to this upfront increase, fares will be subject to annual adjustments linked to changes in fuel prices and the Underlying Consumer Price Index (CPI).

“The ICCC has proposed that a 60% weighting in the adjustment formulae will be allocated to fuel reflecting its dominant share in operator costs, particularly PMVs, while the CPI component will represent 40% of the adjusted fares, capturing broader cost drivers.”

Meanwhile, the new rates are not effective as yet. According to the ICCC, the new increases will come into effect once it is gazetted by the National Government, and it is hoped that this will take place by the end this week.