Skyrocketing gas prices are no fun to watch, especially for gig drivers. When filling the tank cost half of what it does these days, it was easy to blow off those special deals that could save drivers money on gas. You could keep driving around without much worry about saving money on gas.
Things have changed now, for sure. Rising rideshare gas prices take a bite out of earnings, and high delivery gas prices mean less bacon to bring home. In this post, we’ll examine this worrisome issue and offer options that make horrifying gas prices far less taxing. Here are the points we’ll cover:
- Watching gas prices rise: where are they headed?
- Higher Uber driver gas prices and other gig driver woes
- Keep costs down with gas discounts for gig drivers and smarter driving strategies
Watching gas prices rise: where are they headed?
Drivers get around a lot, and as you make your rounds, it’s hard to ignore how the numbers on those service station signs keep going up and up. At this writing, gas prices have reached an all-time high. According to AAA, the average price for a gallon of gas in the US on March 8, 2022 was $4.173. In February of 2022, the price was $3.455, and one year ago, in March of 2021, the price was $2.774.
The rise in gas prices over the last year, and in the last several weeks especially has stemmed from various sources. The bottom line, as in all economic equations, is high demand and low supply driving up the price of crude oil, the refining process, and the costs of shipping.
People who have different political biases favor some reasons for this situation over others, and the real answer might be a combination of all these factors.You can do your own research and decide what reasons make the most sense to you. Here are some of them.
- The US just banned the import of petroleum products from Russia, due to the Ukraine conflict
- The instability of world affairs, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, has pushed up the price of oil
- The aftermath of the pandemic has made it more difficult to procure and distribute cheap oil
- Disruptions in the supply chain make it harder for oil to be delivered to refineries, and from refineries to retail outlets
- Changes in US oil production policy have reduced domestic supply
If it’s any consolation, escalating oil prices is not just an American problem. The crisis that we face is global, and there are few if any signs that the trend will reverse itself any time soon. Much will depend on what happens in world events, and what steps are taken to alleviate the shortage of gas supplies.
Higher Uber driver gas prices spread woes to all gig drivers
Now, any reasonable layperson is liable to ask, “Do gig companies like Uber cover gas?” Professional drivers who’ve been through this before realize the answer is a resounding “No.” However, this situation is very extreme. It also comes at a time when Uber, Lyft, Doordash, Amazon Flex, Instacart, and other companies are struggling to get drivers back to work after the pandemic.
Because of these severe price spikes, companies may consider helping drivers out. According to an article on Bloomberg, take-home pay decreased when gas prices increase. A spokesperson for Uber also noted that the platform only works when it works for drivers, so they’ll keep watching the situation and listening to their drivers.
The increased cost of doing business affects drivers on other platforms. It’s sure to affect the supply of both rideshare and delivery drivers of all kinds. Customers for rideshare and delivery could both be back to enduring the kinds of wait periods they endured during the pandemic, as fewer drivers become willing to work longer hours or make far less than they need.
Will Uber, Lyft, and other companies raise rates to cover drivers’ gas? It’s possible – Uber has already announced that it plans to raise the Uber passenger fare in order to assist with the increased cost of driving. As of now, Lyft, DoorDash, and other gig businesses have not yet announced similar plans. You can however utilize a Lyft mileage tracker.
A trip cost increase or surcharge couldn’t possibly come too soon as far as gig workers are concerned. It’s estimated by some drivers that as much as 60% of their earnings are being ripped away from them to cover the astronomical costs of fuel.
Those who own a hybrid vehicle or an EV might not feel the pain so intensely, but it’s not easy for all drivers to get away from carbon-fueled vehicles. The high cost of EVs, plus the probability that other energy costs are likely to follow the same trajectory as oil and gas, offer little hope for cutting fuel costs, even for drivers with an EV.
Keep costs down with gas discounts for gig drivers and smarter driving strategies
According to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at Gridwise partner GasBuddy, the situation isn’t going to change any time soon. He fears that high gas prices are going to stick around for months, at least. This makes it even more important for drivers to keep their costs down. How can they do that? According to De Haan, drivers should drive with fuel conservation in mind, watching their speed and limiting stop-and-go driving as much as possible.
The other thing drivers can do is limit the amount of time they spend riding sound searching for rides and deliveries. Using When to Drive and Where to Drive from Gridwise will help you find the best times and places to make the most money.
And… there’s one more way you can cut your gas prices right now – by signing up for the best gas card for rideshare and delivery drivers: Gridwise Gas! Every cent you don’t have to pay for gas is more money in your pocket.
With Gridwise and GasBuddy, you have the best gas card for gig drivers. You can get up to 25 cents off every gallon of gas you buy with your Gridwise Gas card. It’s easy. Just follow these simple steps:
- Download Gridwise and tap “Gridwise Gas” in the Benefits tab of the app
- Join Gridwise Gas for free and securely link your bank account. You’ll receive a Gridwise Gas payment card in the mail within a few days.
- Download the GasBuddy app and activate your card.
- Use your Gridwise Gas card to pay for gas (accepted at 95% of stations nationwide).
The payment will be deducted from your bank account, and your discount (up to 25¢ per gallon) will be automatically applied. You’ll also be eligible for exclusive offers and special deals.
Don’t keep paying those painful prices at the pump.
Make sure you’ve downloaded the Gridwise app to save more on gas
(Already downloaded Gridwise? Click here to access affordable gas for gig drivers!)
