NTUC steps into help Singapore ride-hail drivers and delivery riders squeezed by rising fuel prices

Since the Middle East conflict broke on 28 February 2026 and destabilised global oil prices, NTUC-affiliated Platform Work Associations have stepped in to support Singapore platform workers, including ride-hail drivers, cabbies, and delivery riders affected by rising fuel prices.

NPHVA works with platform operators to support private-hire drivers

In a joint statement by the associations on 24 March 2026, the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) said it has engaged platform operators for support, with encouraging results.

“It’s really a struggle for the drivers who are subsidising the rides. They used to earn about $10 per ride, but now earn less,” NPHVA Executive Secretary Raven Lee noted.

Unlike taxi companies, private-hire platforms have yet to raise fares.

To date, Zig by ComfortDelGro has introduced a Driver Fee of $0.50 to $0.80 per trip; Grab is providing $40 fuel vouchers for Sapphire and Diamond tier drivers; Smile by Trans-Cab is providing a $3-per-day rental rebate; Gojek is offering $15 to $30 in fuel subsidies, with an additional $10 to $20 Esso fuel vouchers for active driver-partners; and Tada is giving $40 cash payouts to selected drivers based on recent activity.

NPHVA has also approached vehicle-rental companies, with Lumens responding by providing $50 fuel credits for selected hirers who pump petrol from Shell stations.

NDCA partners delivery platforms to help delivery workers

The National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA), which represents delivery individuals, has been partnering with various platform operators to provide relief to hard-hit delivery workers.

NDCA Executive Secretary Andy Ang explained that delivery workers are largely price takers and cannot adjust prices.

“While motorcycle petrol utilisation isn’t a big volume, the costs impact them the same way,” he added.

As of today, Gogox is providing a $1 fuel support fee per completed order; Grab is offering $20 fuel vouchers for motorcycle riders in the Sapphire tier and above; and uParcel has reduced its commission rate from 20 per cent to 16 per cent for its most active drivers.

NTA teams up with key taxi operators to help cabbies with fuel surges

The National Taxi Association (NTA) has been collaborating with major taxi operators to help drivers cope with surging fuel costs.

Through the partnership, ComfortDelGro has committed to keeping pump prices approximately 30 per cent below market rate, a $0.01 distance-time fare increase, and fuel credits of up to $25 per driver.

Other taxi operators such as Trans-Cab, Strides Premier, Prime and GrabCab are introducing various support schemes, such as higher taxi fares, fuel vouchers, and rental rebates.

While taxi drivers welcomed the support, NTA Executive Secretary Teo Siew Pan said that some are worried about the sustainability of the efforts.

“Some of these costs are directly passed to customers, and taxi drivers are concerned if such measures are sustainable for them and the customers,” she said.

The views were echoed by platform workers, who said some operators hesitate to raise fares for fear of losing customers.

Singapore’s collaborative approach to resolve platform worker fuel price challenges

Across the world, platform workers are responding to the fuel crisis in different ways that are disruptive to the economy.

In the Philippines, for example, ride-hailing and transport workers are planning a strike over 26-27 March 2026 to protest rising fuel prices. Reports say some drivers are also planning booking stoppages, trip cutting, and schedule adjustments.

Meanwhile, Singapore has opted for a disruption-free approach with NTUC-affiliated associations working closely with platform operators on support measures for platform workers impacted by rising fuel prices

As NTUC seeks further cooperation from operators and industry stakeholders, it is also calling for sustainable Government support for platform workers in Singapore affected by rising fuel prices.

NDCA’s Mr Ang and NPHVA’s Mr Lee also urged commuters to be more understanding of fare increases and not to blame riders and drivers for them.

Singapore platform workers share how rising fuel prices are affecting their income

For the past nine-and-a-half years, Jafferdeen Abdul Sukkur (pictured above) has been ferrying passengers in his private-hire vehicle 12 hours a day, seven days a week.

While it may seem like a tough job, this grueling schedule has allowed the 58-year-old to support his family comfortably over the years.

However, since the Middle East war started driving up fuel prices in Singapore, Jafferdeen has experienced a 40 to 50 per cent drop in earnings.

The Singapore private-hire driver, who drives a petrol car for Grab bookings, expects to earn at least $100 a day. But with rental at about $100 per month and petrol costs shooting up by 50 to 60 per cent more, he now takes a longer time to cover operating costs before seeing any income.

“Last week, I was shocked when I saw my bill. I’m topping up almost $80 per day now to ride every day. I spend almost $400 to $500 a week now.

“I realise I need about six to eight hours just to cover this cost,” Mr Jafferdeen said.

For now, the Singapore ride-hail driver will cut back on unnecessary household expenses to cope with the income loss.

Riders and drivers say higher petrol prices are cutting earnings

Like many private-hire drivers in Singapore, Muhammad Hamri Sumasri (pictured above) also feels the pinch of soaring fuel prices.

Since he joined the industry a year ago, the 48‑year‑old sole breadwinner now spends an extra $30 on petrol every two days. Currently driving five days a week, the higher fuel bill has forced him to work longer hours to make ends meet.

Grab food delivery rider Ammar T is among the delivery riders in Singapore affected by rising fuel prices. His motorcycle fuel bill has soared by 50 per cent, from $7 to $10-10.50 daily, for the seven days a week he works.

While Grab offers a 22 per cent fuel subsidy to defray the higher costs, the increased expenses still require Ammar to complete additional trips to maintain the same income level.

“For me, this 50 per cent fuel increase means 30 minutes more work. I must take two extra trips to cover these extra expenses,” he shared.

The 36-year-old expressed concerns that the prolonged Middle East conflict could lead to higher prices across all sectors, potentially reducing demand for food orders and creating major challenges for delivery riders.

Electric vehicle driver warns costs may rise next

Catherine Tan (pictured above), who started providing private-hire car services with an electric car three months ago, hasn’t felt the impact of the fuel cost rises yet.

However, she feels it’s a matter of time before electricity prices go up.

“Electricity [prices] are bound to go up because once fuel prices go up, every other cost will go up. It’s just a matter of how much and when,” said Catherine, in her 40s, who used to work in product management.

She noted that while taxi drivers are receiving support for rising fuel costs, private-hire drivers like her have not.

Catherine also worries that driver oversupply and the current holiday season—causing fewer trips and lower fares—will worsen working conditions.

Need more protection as a delivery rider, taxi driver, or private-hire driver? Become an NTUC association member and be part of a movement to effect change on the roads.

National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) for private-hire drivers: nphva@ntuc.org.sg

National Delivery Champions Association (NDCA) for delivery workers: ndca@ntuc.org.sg

National Taxi Association (NTA) for taxi drivers: nta@ntuc.org.sg