Ride-hailing company Grab will increase its fuel surcharge from 50 cents to 90 cents per trip starting April 7, as part of efforts to help drivers manage rising fuel costs (31/03).

The surcharge applies to rides that are not standard or metered taxi services, and the adjustment will remain in place until May 31, with a review planned closer to that date.

Surcharge Aimed at Supporting Drivers Facing Higher Fuel Costs

Grab stated that it does not take any commission from the surcharge, with the full amount going directly to drivers.

The company said the increase is necessary due to high and unpredictable fuel prices driven by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

Fuel costs globally have risen בעקבות disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which handles about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply.

In Singapore, 95-octane petrol prices are currently between $3.40 and $3.42 per litre, exceeding levels recorded during the 2022 Ukraine war.

Grab Introduces $1.1 Million Driver Support Package

In addition to the surcharge adjustment, Grab announced a $1.1 million support package for drivers.

The package includes fuel vouchers, as well as increases in monthly cash bonuses and cashback rebates.

These measures were developed after discussions with the National Private Hire Vehicles Association, which previously said the driver fee was introduced in 2022 to help drivers cope with rising living and fuel costs.

A Grab spokesperson said, “We know that every dollar in the daily budget is being stretched right now, and we don’t take the impact of even a small adjustment lightly.”

“Fuel costs remain high and unpredictable, and while Grab is significantly increasing our support for driver-partners, the broader volatility means that a temporary adjustment to fares is still necessary.”

Other Ride-Hailing and Taxi Operators Consider or Implement Changes

Other operators are also responding to rising fuel costs.

Tada said it is exploring support measures, including possible fee adjustments, with details to be confirmed later.

Taxi operators such as GrabCab, Strides Premier, and Prime Taxi have increased metered fares from March 30 to May 31.

ComfortDelGro implemented fare increases earlier, effective from March 24 to May 31, and introduced a booking fee on its Zig app, ranging from 50 cents to 80 cents depending on fare value.

Some Operators Offer Alternatives Instead of Fare Hikes

Trans-Cab chose not to raise fares, instead providing drivers with a $3 vehicle rental rebate from March 10 to April 6.

Other operators have also offered support, such as fuel vouchers and reduced fuel prices at in-house stations.

Strides Premier announced fuel credits of up to $500 for new drivers who sign contracts between March 24 and April 30, with higher incentives for longer contract commitments.

PHOTO: KUMPARAN.COM

This article was created with AI assistance.

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