DoorDash has announced a temporary relief program for its delivery drivers in the United States and Canada to help combat the impact of rapidly rising gas prices. The initiative comes as the national average for fuel in the US hits $3.96 per gallon, a 35% increase from just a month ago, according to data from AAA.
Enhanced Benefits for US Drivers
In the United States, drivers who use the DoorDash debit card will see their cash back on gas purchases jump from 2% to 10%. Additionally, those who travel 125 miles or more for deliveries each week will receive a fuel payment ranging from $5 to $15. The company reports that over half of its US drivers currently utilize the debit card, making this benefit widely accessible.
Support for Canadian Drivers
Canadian DoorDash drivers will also receive assistance, with weekly payments of up to $36 Canadian dollars based on the miles they travel. Both the US and Canadian programs are set to remain in effect through April 26, following a similar temporary relief effort launched in Australia last week.
Industry Response and Market Context
It remains uncertain whether rival delivery services will match DoorDash's payments. GrubHub stated last week that it is closely monitoring gas prices, while Uber has not yet commented on the matter.
The announcement coincides with a slight easing in oil prices, which had been volatile due to geopolitical tensions. Brent crude fell as much as 10% after President Donald Trump announced a five-day pause in strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure, later settling around 8% lower at just under $104 a barrel. Markets rallied on hopes that talks could help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil and gas.
Chris Beauchamp, chief market analyst at IG, noted, "Trump has sprung his usual surprise on markets, pausing strikes on energy infrastructure as a result of successful talks. But this leaves big questions unanswered – Hormuz remains closed, the damage to energy infrastructure is still there, and it is unclear whether air strikes on other targets will continue. While this was the headline investors have been hoping for, the fact that Brent has rebounded back above 100 dollars shows that markets remain sceptical."
Program Details and Eligibility
To qualify for the enhanced benefits in the US, drivers must have a DoorDash debit card and meet the mileage threshold for weekly fuel payments. The program is designed to provide immediate, short-term relief as drivers face increased operational costs. DoorDash, based in San Francisco, emphasized that this is a temporary measure in response to the current economic pressures on its driver network.
