Rideshare Drivers Reject Trips as Gas Prices Surge Past $4 Nationwide

Gas prices have officially surpassed the 4 dollar mark across North Carolina and much of the United States due to global oil supply disruptions tied to the ongoing war in Iran. For rideshare drivers who were already feeling the squeeze of a changing economy, the latest spike at the pump is forcing a drastic change in how they operate.

In Asheville, North Carolina, Uber driver Joel Bender represents a growing trend of gig workers who are now turning down more trips than they accept. Bender, a veteran driver of nearly a decade, says his current acceptance rate has plummeted to 10 percent, while his cancellation rate has risen to 20 percent. He notes that the mathematics of a trip no longer add up when fuel costs consume the majority of the fare.

The situation is even more dire for drivers in the Coachella Valley and across California, where AAA reports prices have surged past the 6 dollar mark for a gallon of regular gasoline. Nationwide, the average price is currently hovering around 4.51 dollars—an increase of approximately 1.50 dollars since hostilities in the Middle East began earlier this year.

Bender, who manages a support group of nearly 700 rideshare drivers, says many of his colleagues are primary earners who use the income to put food on the table. With the price of gas reaching its highest level since 2022, many are choosing to steer clear of the business altogether.

While Uber has announced an expansion of its fuel discount program through May 26, 2026, many drivers feel the relief is insufficient. Top-tier drivers can currently access up to 15 percent cash back through the Uber Pro Card, but even with those savings, the net profit on longer trips remains thin.

Industry analysts suggest that as long as the conflict in Iran continues to block vital waterways like the Strait of Hormuz, relief at the pump remains months away. For drivers like Bender, the choice remains simple but difficult: reject the rides that don't pay or risk paying out of pocket to work.

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