Ethiopia, 4 November 2025 — The Somali Regional State has issued a stern warning to public transport operators to comply with the new tariff and vehicle-registration rules or face sanctions, as the administration commenced a crackdown on the unregulated transport sector.
The enforcement builds on a transport directive first issued on 31st October, establishing standard passenger fares across the region and requiring all commercial vehicles to be formally registered.
Deputy Minister of Trade and Transport Hassan Sheikh Yusuf, speaking on Monday, said the rules are now active and will be enforced across all districts.
“My first message to transport operators is to implement the directives issued, in accordance with the laws that govern them. They must be enforced from the day they were announced. Those who fail to comply will face the enforcement measures we outlined,” he said.
Officials say the reforms aim to curb inflation, stabilise transport prices amid fluctuating fuel costs, and improve commuter safety.
Under the enforcement phase:
• Unregistered vehicles will receive warnings, then suspension, and eventual removal from service
• A unified licence-plate system is being rolled out
• Public buses will shift to locally-produced compressed natural gas (CNG), with a six-month tax exemption for conversions.
Authorities estimate more than 1.6 million vehicles operate in the region, many without proper documentation — a gap the government says fuels price manipulation, safety risks, and unregulated fare hikes linked to fuel costs.
The deputy minister said police and transport units are now in the field monitoring compliance and encouraged the public to report violations.
The reforms are part of the regional government’s efforts to formalise the transport sector, curb price instability, and modernise mobility systems.