DoorDash introduces relief payments for drivers as the Iran-US war drives up gas prices

As the ongoing Iran-U.S. conflict pushes fuel prices higher, DoorDash has announced new support measures for its delivery drivers across the United States and Canada. The company announced on Monday that it is launching a temporary relief initiative to help offset rising gasoline costs for Dashers who rely on their vehicles for work.

The program will run through April 26 and provides weekly payments to qualifying drivers. Those who travel at least 125 miles per week will be eligible for payments starting at $5, which DoorDash says equates to an estimated fuel savings of roughly $1 to $1.50 per gallon. The assistance is expected to be particularly valuable for drivers operating in suburban and rural areas, where longer distances are common.

In addition to these payments, Dashers using DoorDash’s Crimson debit card will receive an extra 10% cash back on fuel purchases. This added benefit could increase total savings by up to $1.90 per gallon, depending on usage.

Fuel costs are among the largest ongoing expenses for gig workers. Unlike traditional employees, delivery drivers are responsible for covering their own operational costs, including gasoline, vehicle upkeep, and insurance. A Human Rights Watch survey conducted in May 2025 found that gig workers in Texas were spending about $100 per week on fuel, which translated to approximately $2.76 per hour worked. At that time, gas prices in Texas were near $3 per gallon.

The situation has since worsened. Data from AAA show that the national average price for regular gasoline has climbed to just under $3.96 per gallon, an increase of more than $1 from the previous month. In certain regions, prices have already reached around $4 per gallon.

As fuel prices continue to rise, delivery drivers are facing a sharp increase in weekly expenses without a corresponding rise in earnings. At the same time, demand for delivery services may fluctuate as consumers adjust spending in response to higher living costs. This combination means drivers are often earning less per delivery, even while working longer hours. For many, gig work is becoming less sustainable, prompting some to cut back their hours or exit the sector entirely.

DoorDash’s current initiative echoes a similar effort the company launched in 2022, when fuel prices surged following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. During that period, other companies also introduced support measures — Uber added a temporary fuel surcharge for riders, while Grubhub increased driver pay to help offset rising costs. It remains unclear whether other delivery platforms will introduce similar programs in response to the current spike in fuel prices.