Taxi drivers are calling for tax relief after the cost of gasoline soared 14 percent in 2007.

The Consumer Price Index released last week revealed that in the 12 months to January 2008 the price of gasoline rose 14.3 percent.

Bermuda Taxi Association president Michael Ray called for Government to fulfil a pledge made last October to offer taxi drivers a fuel rebate, particularly as many will be based out of the West End due to the mega cruise ships being stationed in Dockyard.

"You have guys who are already spending $65 a day on gas and it is slow season," he said. "That is a lot of money, the cost will increase this summer. The only way to make money in the taxi business is to have more paid miles than empty miles.

"This summer we will probably see an increase in the empty miles because taxi drivers will have to drive to Dockyard every morning before the cruise ships arrive at 8 a.m. I doubt many people will be wanting a ride to Dockyard before 8 a.m. so we will be empty."

Mr. Ray made it clear that taxi drivers were thankful to have received a 10.5 percent increase in fare rates in November, though he said some felt it was not enough.

"I don't actually think we need another fare increase," he said. "If we could just get some tax relief on the cost of gas that would be a big help. Prices are getting ridiculous."

In October when Premier Ewart Brown, who is also the Minister of Transport, announced the taxi fare increase he said a fuel rebate could be implemented soon.

Speaking of ongoing meetings he said: "Amongst the issues we have discussed with the industry are the extension of a fuel rebate to taxis, better insurance coverage, improved service in the area of automotive repairs, and of course a fare increase.

"I am grateful to Minister Burgess who has facilitated much of the discussion on these issues over several months. To date I understand the fuel rebate to be well in hand and that the other areas are shortly to bring positive results."

Yesterday the Premier was unavailable for comment on whether or not the fuel rebate would be implemented soon.