In response to the escalating gas prices linked to the ongoing Iran-U.S. conflict, DoorDash is taking proactive measures to assist its drivers across the U.S. and Canada. The company recently unveiled a temporary relief program designed to alleviate the financial strain on Dashers who depend on their vehicles for deliveries.
This initiative, which will be active until April 26, offers eligible drivers weekly payments. Dashers who cover a minimum of 125 miles each week can qualify for payments starting at $5, which translates to estimated savings of $1 to $1.50 per gallon of gas. This support is particularly beneficial for those operating in suburban and rural regions, where longer travel distances are common.
Moreover, drivers using DoorDash's Crimson debit card will enjoy an additional 10% cash back on fuel purchases, potentially saving them up to $1.90 per gallon. Fuel costs represent one of the largest expenditures for delivery drivers, who, unlike traditional employees, are responsible for their own expenses, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and insurance.
A survey conducted by Human Rights Watch in May 2025 revealed that gig workers in Texas spent an average of $100 weekly on fuel, equating to $2.76 per hour worked, with gas prices hovering around $3 per gallon at that time. Presently, the situation has worsened, with the national average price for regular gas nearing $3.96 per gallon, a significant increase from previous months.
As fuel prices soar, delivery drivers face escalating weekly fuel costs without corresponding increases in their pay rates. Additionally, fluctuating demand for deliveries due to rising living expenses means that drivers cannot always count on more orders to mitigate their costs. Consequently, many drivers find their earnings diminish per delivery while working the same or longer hours, transforming what was once a flexible income source into a challenging financial situation. This reality may compel some drivers to reduce their working hours or exit the gig economy altogether.
DoorDash's latest gas rewards initiative echoes a similar program it launched in 2022 when gas prices surged following geopolitical tensions. During that period, other companies like Uber and GrubHub also implemented measures to support their drivers amid record-high fuel costs.
As DoorDash leads the way in providing relief, it remains to be seen whether other delivery services will adopt similar strategies to support their drivers during these challenging times.