Lyft to add temporary fuel surcharge to fares amid spike in gas prices

Lyft plans to add a temporary fuel surcharge to fares amid rising fuel prices around the country, the company confirmed to The Verge on Monday. Gas prices have spiked recently in part due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“We’ve been closely monitoring rising gas prices and their impact on our driver community,” Lyft spokesperson CJ Macklin said in a statement. “Driver earnings overall remain elevated compared to last year, but given the rapid rise in gas prices we’ll be asking riders to pay a temporary fuel surcharge, all of which will go to drivers.”

The surcharge will go into effect next week, the company said in a blog published Wednesday. Lyft will add $0.55 to each ride, which could be in part an incentive to coax drivers to use its service over Uber. Uber announced its own surcharge last week, but it will be “either $0.45 or $0.55,” depending on a rider’s location. However, the surcharge will not apply in New York City, and in Nevada, the company plans to bring it to drivers “as soon as possible.”

Lyft’s surcharge will be in place for “at least” the next 60 days. Like with Uber, the surcharge will apply even if a ride is done in an electric vehicle. Lyft is also offering drivers an increased 4 to 5 percent cash back on gas through June 30th if they use the Lyft Direct debit card.

Update March 16th, 4:22 PM ET: Added details from Lyft published Wednesday.