MANILA, Philippines — Ride-hailing and motorcycle taxi platforms Grab Philippines and Move It announced the rollout of a financial support package for their driver-partners as soaring fuel prices threaten the livelihood of transport workers who depend on the platforms for daily income.
The companies said the program would provide fuel discounts, rebates, and additional incentives for tens of thousands of driver-, delivery-, and rider-partners nationwide as global oil prices continue to climb.
The assistance comes as local pump prices recorded sharp increases in recent weeks amid supply disruptions linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with gasoline marking its ninth consecutive weekly increase and diesel posting double-digit price hikes in a single week.
“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 Ronald Roda, Grab Philippines managing director.
Roda said that maintaining driver earnings is critical as more commuters may turn to ride-hailing and shared mobility to cope with the rising cost of using privately-owned vehicles.
Fuel discounts and rebates
Under the program, driver-partners using four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles will be able to access fuel discounts of up to P4 per liter through partnerships with Seaoil Philippines, Caltex, and Blu Energy at participating stations nationwide.
In addition, Grab Finance will offer a fuel rebate program for nearly 20,000 eligible drivers and riders using the Shell Fuel Card. Starting March 16 until the end of the month, partners who refuel using the card will receive a P3-per-liter rebate credited directly to their accounts.
The companies are also introducing new incentives aimed at stabilizing drivers’ take-home pay despite rising operating costs.
GrabCar drivers will receive commission rebates under a revised incentive structure designed to return more value to drivers through per-trip cashback and targeted rebates during peak periods.
Meanwhile, motorcycle delivery partners working with GrabFood will receive a P3 spot bonus for every completed delivery nationwide, regardless of the number of hours they spend online.
Move It, which operates a motorcycle taxi service, is launching a separate initiative called Power Pasada, a fuel-resilience program tailored for rider-partners. The program includes monthly fuel allowances for consistently active riders and additional incentives during morning and evening peak hours.
The platforms said they are also coordinating with regulators, including the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Department of Transportation (Philippines), to address the impact of the fuel price surge on ride-hailing and motorcycle taxi operators.
The government recently announced a P5,000 fuel subsidy for transport workers to be distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in coordination with the transportation department. Transport network vehicle service (TNVS) drivers are among the beneficiaries.
“We thank the DOTr and DSWD for recognizing TNVS professionals as equal partners in keeping the country’s transport ecosystem alive,” said Lisza Buscaino-Redulla, United Transportation Coalition Philippines president.
Transport sector leaders also urged continued cooperation between government and private platforms as fuel prices remain volatile.
“It is imperative that the entire transport ecosystem works together in finding the right support programs as we collectively try to survive this oil challenge,” said Romeo Maglunsod, Motorcycle Taxi Community Philippines chairman.
Grab and Move It said they will continue monitoring developments in global oil markets and may adjust their support programs as fuel prices evolve.
