Rising gas prices, influenced by ongoing global tensions, are placing a significant strain on delivery drivers. In response, DoorDash has introduced a temporary relief program for its drivers in the United States and Canada. The program, which will run through April 26, provides weekly payments to eligible Dashers.
To qualify, drivers must complete at least 125 miles of deliveries per week. Those who do can receive payments starting at five dollars, which is estimated to offset gas costs by one to one dollar and fifty cents per gallon. This assistance may be particularly valuable for drivers in suburban and rural areas who typically cover longer distances.
Drivers who use the DoorDash Crimson debit card will receive an additional ten percent cash back on gas purchases. This could lead to potential savings of up to one dollar and ninety cents per gallon.
Fuel represents one of the largest expenses for gig workers, who, unlike traditional employees, must cover all vehicle costs themselves. A recent survey highlighted the burden, finding that gig workers in Texas were spending an average of one hundred dollars per week on fuel. Currently, the national average price for regular gasoline has climbed to nearly three dollars and ninety-six cents per gallon, which is over a dollar more than just a month ago. In some regions, prices are approaching four dollars per gallon.
As pump prices increase, drivers see their weekly fuel costs rise dramatically without a corresponding increase in pay from the delivery platforms. At the same time, consumer demand can waver due to broader economic pressures, meaning drivers cannot always rely on more orders to cover their higher expenses. The result is that drivers earn less profit per delivery despite working the same or even longer hours. For many, this transforms gig work from a flexible income source into a financially unsustainable situation, forcing some to reduce their hours or leave the industry entirely.
This new initiative echoes a similar program DoorDash launched in 2022 when gas prices spiked following the war in Ukraine. During that period, other services like Uber and GrubHub also implemented measures such as fuel surcharges and increased pay to support their drivers. It is currently unclear whether other delivery companies will introduce similar support programs in response to the current price surge.