Fuel Subsidy Rollout Moves from Taxis to Buses This Week

May 27, 2026 10:36 pm | Posted in Business News | Share now TwitterFacebook

By Ezra Toara.

Fuel subsidy payments under the Vanuatu Government’s subsidy package have been disbursed to buses and other public transport vehicles this week, following the initial rollout to taxi operators last week.

According to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MoFEM), the government’s fuel subsidy program commenced two weeks ago, beginning with taxi operators who were among the first beneficiaries to receive the subsidy assistance due to recent increases in fuel prices.

Building on that first phase, the program has now been extended to buses and other public transport operators throughout the country.

The MoFEM has issued a notice to all bus owners, taxi owners, and public transport operators confirming that the first rollout of subsidy payments has been completed.

Transport operators are being advised to carefully read the notice and ensure they still have access to the same mobile phone number they provided when obtaining their permits through the Public Land Transport Authority (PLTA).

According to a notice issued last week, eligible operators will receive an SMS notification from the number “+153”.

Owners of buses, taxis, and other public transport services are urged to check their mobile phones for the message. Once recipients receive the SMS confirmation code from +153, they are advised to visit Vanuatu Post to collect their subsidy payment.

Applicants collecting the payment must present a National ID, business licence, and a 2026 transport permit.

The Council of Ministers (COM) recently increased the original VT329 million fuel subsidy package to VT766 million in an effort to stabilise prices in key sectors, including inter-island shipping, electricity, agriculture, aviation, and public transport.

Under the public transport support package, a one-off payment of VT150 million will be distributed to registered operators, including approximately 1,200 buses, 800 common vehicles, 600 taxis, and 700 public boats, to support three months of operations.

Buses and common vehicles are expected to receive VT50,000 each, taxi boats VT30,000, and taxis VT25,000.

The amounts vary depending on fuel efficiency calculations carried out by the Finance Department.

Prime Minister (PM) Jotham Napat said earlier this month that the subsidy support is intended to assist operators not only in Port Vila but also in outer islands, including Santo and Malekula.

Responding to calls from some bus operators for an increase in bus fares due to rising fuel costs, the PM said transport operators should not take advantage of the current situation.

However, he said if the PLTA determines that an increase is justified due to the cost of living, there are legal processes available to address the matter.