Tens of thousands of drivers across ride-hailing, delivery, and motorcycle taxi platforms shoulder fuel costs daily. When pump prices rise rapidly, their earnings shrink — and many may be forced to go offline, affecting service availability for commuters.
The big picture
The intervention comes as global oil markets reel from escalating conflict in the Middle East and supply disruptions, pushing pump prices sharply upward.
Diesel prices surged by double digits in a single week, while gasoline marked its ninth consecutive weekly increase — a combination that has intensified financial pressure on drivers who rely on daily trips to sustain their livelihoods.
“Our immediate priority is to help ensure that our drivers continue to earn viably and fairly for their families, while preserving service reliability for passengers and the sustainability of the platform as we collectively navigate volatility in the global fuel market,” said Grab Philippines managing director Ronald Roda in a press statement.
He added that supporting drivers is critical as more Filipino households may increasingly rely on shared mobility to cope with rising transport costs.
Intervention
Grab and MOVE IT’s intervention is structured around three pillars: fuel cost relief, earnings protection, and regulatory engagement.
Together, the initiatives aim to cushion drivers from the immediate shock of rising fuel prices while maintaining service reliability for passengers who depend on ride-hailing and delivery platforms.
Fuel cost relief
The companies have partnered with several fuel providers to provide discounted fuel nationwide.
Driver-partners operating both four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles can access fuel savings of up to P4 per liter through partner stations including:
Grab and MOVE IT said they are also working to expand the program by onboarding additional fuel brands.
Additionally, Grab Finance is rolling out a targeted rebate program through the Shell Fuel Card.
Nearly 20,000 eligible drivers and riders can receive a P3 per-liter rebate when refueling with their active cards from March 16 through the end of March 2026, with cashback credited directly to their accounts under program mechanics.
Earnings protection
Beyond fuel discounts, the platforms are adjusting incentives to help stabilize drivers’ take-home earnings.
For GrabCar driver-partners, the company will implement commission rebates under a refreshed incentive model. The scheme shifts more value back to drivers through per-trip cashback and targeted rebates, particularly during high-demand periods.
Delivery drivers are also getting support.
GrabFood motorcycle delivery partners will receive a P3 spot bonus per completed delivery nationwide, regardless of online hours or trip volume.
The company said the incentive was calibrated based on average fuel consumption, noting that the most active delivery partners typically consume around three liters of fuel per day.
Meanwhile, MOVE IT is launching Power Pasada, a fuel resilience program specifically designed for motorcycle taxi riders.
The initiative includes:
Regulatory engagement
Both companies are coordinating with government regulators to explore additional support mechanisms.
Grab and MOVE IT are currently in consultations with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) regarding the fuel crisis’s impact on ride-hailing and motorcycle taxi drivers.
The government recently announced a P5,000 fuel subsidy for affected transport workers, to be distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in coordination with the DOTr.
Officials have indicated that TNVS drivers are included among eligible sectors.
What’s next
Grab and MOVE IT said the current measures represent an initial response, not a final one.
Both platforms plan to monitor real-time movements in the global oil market and adjust driver support programs as conditions evolve.
They also pledged continued collaboration with regulators, transport groups, and driver communities to keep the country’s ride-hailing and delivery ecosystem resilient. —Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
