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DoorDash Launches Gas Price Relief Program for Drivers
Temporary Payments Begin as US Gas Average Reaches Nearly $4 per Gallon
DoorDashÌýis offering extra compensation to U.S. and Canadian drivers as part of a temporary program to help offset rising gas prices.
The San Francisco-based delivery company announced the program March 23 as the national average price for gas hit $3.96 per gallon in the U.S., according to AAA. That’s 35% higher than one month ago.
Global oil prices have soared since theÌýIran warÌýbegan on Feb. 28. Last week, Brent crude oil, the international standard,ÌýÌýabove $119 per barrel, up from roughly $70 before the war began.
Iran has halted most shipments of oil through theÌýStrait of HormuzÌýand has alsoÌýattacked oil and gas facilitiesÌýaround the Persian Gulf in response to an Israeli attack on an importantÌýIranian natural gas field.
DoorDash said U.S. drivers with a DoorDash debit card will earn 10% cash back on any gas purchase, up from the usual rate of 2%. More than half of DoorDash drivers have the card, the company said.
The company said drivers who travel 125 miles or more while making deliveries will also receive a weekly fuel payment, starting at $5 and up to a maximum of $15.
In Canada, DoorDash drivers will receive up to $36 Canadian dollars per week based on the miles they travel to make deliveries.
DoorDash said both programs will remain in effect through April 26. It announced a similar gas price relief program in Australia late last week.
It’s not yet clear if rivals will match DoorDash’s payments. GrubHub said last week that it is keeping a close eye on gas prices. Messages seeking comment were left March 23 with Uber and Lyft.
DoorDash launched a similar temporary program in 2022 when U.S. gas prices topped $4 per gallon. At the time,ÌýÌýalso put in place temporary gas surcharges for customers.
