How bad is it for gig workers?
Gig economy workers are among the hardest hit by the Iran war’s economic fallout. Unlike salaried employees, they pay for their own fuel:
- Gas prices: Up from $2.98 to $3.60/gallon — a 20% jump in two weeks
- Diesel: Up more than 35% in 2026, outpacing unleaded gas increases
- No fuel surcharge: Most platforms haven’t added driver fuel compensation
Millions of Americans offering rideshare and delivery services are acutely feeling the impacts because these jobs typically require a car. (CNBC)
What are drivers doing?
Drivers are adapting in several ways:
- Avoiding short rides to ensure they’re actually making a profit. Rideshare driver Alvaro Bolainez, VP of advocacy group Rideshare Drivers United, reports skipping shorter trips that are no longer profitable.
- Switching to peak hours only when surge pricing helps offset fuel costs
- Calculating per-mile costs more carefully before accepting rides
- Calling for platform fuel surcharges — driver advocacy groups are pushing Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash to add gas surcharges similar to what they did in 2022
(CNBC)
Will platforms add fuel surcharges?
In 2022, Uber and Lyft temporarily added fuel surcharges when gas prices spiked. Similar pressure is building now:
- Uber added a $0.45-$0.55 surcharge per trip in 2022
- Lyft added a $0.55 surcharge per ride
- DoorDash added surcharges for deliveries
No platform has announced surcharges for the current crisis yet, but driver advocacy groups are pushing hard.
Tips for gig workers right now
Maximize earnings:
- Track every mile for tax deductions (IRS rate is $0.70/mile for 2026)
- Focus on high-demand, surge-pricing periods
- Decline trips that are clearly unprofitable after fuel costs
- Consider switching to a more fuel-efficient vehicle if possible
Reduce fuel costs:
- Use gas price apps (GasBuddy, Waze) to find cheapest stations
- Fill up during off-peak hours (early morning often cheaper)
- Maintain proper tire pressure (saves 3-5% on fuel)
- Consider a fuel rewards credit card
Diversify income:
- Multi-app (run Uber + Lyft + DoorDash simultaneously)
- Add non-driving gig income (TaskRabbit, freelance work)
- Consider temporarily supplementing with part-time employment that doesn’t require driving
What about electric vehicle drivers?
EV rideshare and delivery drivers are seeing a competitive advantage right now — their per-mile costs haven’t changed much. However, electricity prices are also expected to rise as gas-powered generation gets more expensive. For now, EV drivers have a significant edge.