Ride-Sharing Rides Rise as Drivers Charge Extra Amid Fuel Shortage

Ride-sharing drivers in Dhaka are now charging higher fares “off‑app,” with this trend intensifying during the Eid holidays. Passengers have reported being forced to pay fares at the drivers’ discretion rather than through the official app. Complaints indicate that since the first working day after the office holiday, fares have surged abnormally amid the city’s ongoing fuel shortage. For certain distances, off‑app fares are reportedly 50–100 BDT higher than usual, causing significant inconvenience to commuters.

Hasan Arif, a resident of Bashundhara Residential Area working at a private firm in Gulshan‑2, said that he used to pay 180–200 BDT for his commute. “Now, for the same distance, drivers demand 250–300 BDT, and few are willing to go for less,” he added.

Another passenger, Selim Mia from Bonosree, noted that bike ride fares have nearly doubled under the pretext of the fuel shortage. “Previously, the fare ranged from 150–200 BDT, but now we are being charged 250–300 BDT for the same route,” he said.

He further explained that ride-sharing has become increasingly popular in Dhaka over recent years for faster commutes, with many relying on bikes to save time. However, the recent fuel crisis has made this convenience far more expensive.

Investigations reveal that across nearly all areas of the capital—including Mirpur, Uttara, Kawla, Rampura Bridge, Hatirjheel, Kawran Bazar, Farmgate, Green Road, Shyamoli, Gabtoli, Mirpur‑10, Uttara, Abdullahpur, Mohakhali, Banani, Badda, Basabo, Saidabad, and Jatrabari—drivers are charging higher fares. Complainants say that with offices and courts reopening on Tuesday after the Eid holidays, the influx of commuters returning from villages has led to elevated fares at Dhaka’s entry points as well.

Drivers, however, claim that although fuel prices have not risen, supply shortages require them to wait in long lines to obtain petrol, wasting working hours and sometimes leaving them without sufficient fuel. “We are compelled to charge extra fares due to these constraints,” they argue.

Overall, the fuel shortage is causing hardship for both passengers and ride-sharing drivers alike.

DBTech/DHE/MUM/OR