Ride-hailing and food delivery companies Uber, Lyft and DoorDash are rolling out new financial incentives for their drivers and couriers, as surging global fuel prices squeeze earnings in the gig economy. The measures, announced over recent days, include cashback schemes, direct payments and expanded discounts at specific fuel stations.
The immediate catalyst is the sharp rise in pump prices, driven by a global oil shock following conflict in the Middle East. According to data from the American Automobile Association (AAA), the average price for a gallon of petrol in the United States has increased by nearly one dollar in the past month alone.
Several drivers for Uber and Lyft told Business Insider earlier this month that they are now prioritising only the most profitable trips to protect their margins. Online forums for gig workers have seen growing calls for the platform companies to intervene with support.
Driver advocacy groups call measures 'symbolic'
Sergio Avedian, a senior contributor to The Rideshare Guy advocacy blog and a driver himself, described the new company incentives as "a step in the right direction". However, he told Business Insider they are "largely symbolic and fall short of offsetting the real impact of rising gas prices on drivers."
Avedian noted that some benefits require drivers to use company-issued debit cards. "In many cases, these programs simply extend existing benefits rather than meaningfully improving driver earnings," he said.
DoorDash's mileage-based relief payments
On Monday, DoorDash announced it would provide "relief payments" to delivery workers who drive at least 125 miles per week. The payments start at $5 weekly, rising to $15 for those travelling 250 miles or more.
Workers using the company's Crimson debit card also receive a 10% cashback on fuel purchases. DoorDash estimates the combined benefits could save drivers up to $1.90 per gallon. These measures are scheduled to end on 26 April.
Uber combines cashback with weekly stipends
Uber announced its package on Thursday. Both its ride-hail drivers and delivery couriers are eligible for up to $1 per gallon cashback via the Upside app and additional discounts at Shell stations from Friday until 26 May.
An extra 15% discount is available when using the Uber Pro debit card, with the exact rate varying by a driver's status tier. Uber states these incentives can save workers up to $1.44 per gallon.
For delivery personnel specifically, Uber is also introducing mileage-based payments mirroring DoorDash's scheme. Payments of $5 to $15 will be available from Monday until 3 May for drivers meeting the same weekly mileage thresholds.
Lyft focuses on tiered cashback rewards
Lyft's measures, active from Friday until 26 May, include tiered cashback for drivers using a Lyft Direct debit card: 2% for Elite status drivers and 1% for Gold and Platinum tiers.
Drivers can also obtain $0.14 cashback and a $5 discount on a fill-up through the Upside app. Lyft calculates the total potential saving for its drivers at up to $0.98 per gallon.
The companies have not indicated plans to extend these temporary support measures beyond their stated end dates in late April and May. The global oil market remains volatile, suggesting sustained pressure on fuel-dependent gig workers for the foreseeable future.