Uber introduces temporary fuel surcharge in Australia amid rising petrol prices
Consensus Summary
Uber Australia introduced a temporary 5-cent-per-kilometre fuel surcharge for petrol, diesel, and hybrid rides from 15 April to 8 June 2026, aiming to offset rising fuel costs for drivers amid a crisis linked to geopolitical tensions. The move follows a 6% permanent fare increase in March, which was planned independently of the fuel price surge. Electric vehicle trips remain exempt, and competitor DiDi implemented a similar surcharge in March. The Transport Workersâ Union (TWU) supports the measure, citing driver hardship, though debates continue over long-term pay and conditions. While petrol prices peaked near 260 cents per litre in late March, they had eased slightly by mid-April. The surcharge is framed as a short-term solution, with revenue directed to drivers, while other delivery platforms like DoorDash and UberEats have offered separate fuel relief programs.
â Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Uber Australia will charge a temporary fuel surcharge of 5 cents per kilometre for petrol, diesel, and hybrid rides from 15 April to 8 June 2026.
- The surcharge is intended to help drivers cover higher fuel costs, with drivers estimated to spend an extra $40â$50 per fill-up due to soaring fuel prices.
- Michael Kaine, national secretary of the Transport Workersâ Union of Australia (TWU), supported the surcharge, stating it would provide meaningful relief for drivers.
- Uberâs surcharge follows a permanent fare increase in March 2026, which raised prices by up to 6% nationally.
- Electric vehicle (EV) trips booked through Uber Electric (formerly Uber Green) are exempt from the surcharge.
- Competitor DiDi had already announced an identical 5c/km surcharge on 18 March 2026, which also applies to non-EV trips.
- The TWU has been collaborating with rideshare companies to address driver fuel costs and working conditions, including negotiations at the Fair Work Commission.
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Uberâs surcharge is described as a 'temporary emergency measure' to address the fuel crisis, with revenue going directly to drivers.
- The TWU estimates the surcharge could be worth around $35 per driver trip to the fuel station.
- Emma Foley, managing director of Uber Australia, stated the surcharge builds on the March fare update, which increased driver earnings across Australia.
- Customers are expected to understand the surcharge due to their awareness of rising fuel costs affecting daily life.
- The surcharge revenue will go directly to drivers to cover their fuel costs, with calculations based on a 50c/litre increase and 10L/100km fuel economy.
- Uberâs permanent March fare hike was planned before the fuel crisis, with minimum fares increasing and some inner-suburban trips becoming nearly 40% more expensive than outer-suburban ones, per the Sydney Morning Herald.
- Unleaded petrol prices peaked at nearly 260 cents per litre in late March 2026 and were below 220 cents/litre by 13 April 2026.
- DoorDash and UberEats have offered fuel relief payments to delivery drivers ($2.50 per 50km, capped at $25/week) without charging customers more.
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- Newscomau states Uberâs March fare hike was a 'price review' directly responding to driver struggles, while the Guardian clarifies it was a planned update unrelated to the fuel crisis.
- The Guardian notes DiDiâs surcharge applies to all trips, including EVs, while Newscomau implies it does not (though both confirm non-EV trips are charged).
Source Articles
Fuel crisis drives Uber to new price hike
Aussies are set to see a fresh hike in the cost of Uber rides after the firm introduced a temporary new surcharge.
Uber adds fuel surcharge for non-EV fares in Australia amid petrol price rises
Trips in electric vehicles will be exempt from the temporary fee of 5 cents per kilometre, rideshare firm says Uber customers in Australia will be charged a fuel surcharge for almost two months from Wednesday unless they ride in an electric vehicle. Trips in petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles will attract an extra fee of 5 cents per kilometre from 15 April to 8 June, Uber announced on Monday. Continue reading...