With Christmas around the corner, consumers are feeling the pinch as the latest fuel price increases hit home.

The City of Johannesburg was forcing its bus rapid transit (BRT) system on the taxi industry, the United Taxi Association Forum said on Friday.

The United Taxi Association Forum on Thursday lodged legal papers to have the launch of the Bus Rapid Transit system suspended, said a media report.

About 5 000 Gauteng taxi operators and drivers on Tuesday threatened to "cripple the economy" if their demands are not met within seven days.

No taxis will operate throughout Gauteng on Tuesday as the United Taxi Association Forum will strike against the proposed bus rapid transit system.