Rideshare giant DiDi has commenced charging customers an additional fee to mitigate the impact of escalating fuel costs, with Uber stating it is closely evaluating its own strategies in response. Effective immediately, DiDi customers throughout Australia will incur an extra 5 cents per kilometre, a measure the company asserts will be entirely allocated to drivers. This surcharge addresses the nearly 50-cent per litre increase in petrol prices following recent geopolitical tensions, assuming an average trip fuel efficiency of 10 litres per 100 kilometres.
DiDi's Historical Surcharge Implementation
DiDi has previously enacted a fuel surcharge, introducing a 3-cent per kilometre fee in 2022 when the fuel excise pause was terminated. Dan Jordan, Head of External Affairs at DiDi Australia, emphasized the company's awareness of the financial strain on drivers, stating: "At DiDi, we recognise the ongoing pressure that rising fuel prices are placing on our drivers across Australia, with higher costs at the pump directly affecting their ability to earn on the platform."
Uber's Cautious Approach
In contrast, Uber has not yet announced a similar surcharge, leaving its drivers and Uber Eats delivery personnel to absorb the heightened fuel expenses independently. An Uber spokesperson acknowledged the burden on workers, remarking: "Uber is actively monitoring conditions as they evolve and regularly reviews ways to support driver partners and delivery people as circumstances change. We are always looking for ways we can continue to support them."
The disparity in responses highlights the varying corporate strategies within the competitive rideshare industry as petrol prices continue to climb, potentially influencing consumer choices and driver earnings across Australia.
