While the global fuel crisis continues to squeeze margins for private hire drivers, Uber has stepped in to support its fleet—but only if you happen to be driving in the United States.
Uber Technologies recently announced a significant expansion of its fuel relief program for US-based drivers and couriers, running through to late May 2026. The package includes massive discounts at the pump and increased cashback rewards, designed to help drivers cope with rapid price hikes linked to ongoing global supply disruptions.
The US “Gas Relief” Package
For those across the Atlantic, the savings are substantial. By combining various offers, top-tier US drivers can save as much as $1.44 per gallon. The relief package includes:
- Upside Partnership: Drivers can get up to $1.00 off per gallon, a fourfold increase from previous limits.
- Shell Fuel Rewards: Discounts at Shell stations have tripled to 21 cents per gallon.
- Uber Pro Card Boost: A mandatory 5% extra cashback at any gas station nationwide, with top Diamond-tier drivers earning up to 15% cashback at select brands.
In addition to these direct discounts, Uber US has also introduced mileage-based weekly payouts for delivery drivers to ensure earnings keep pace with the rising cost of fuel.
Silence for UK Drivers
Despite the same global pressures affecting petrol and diesel prices in Britain, no such “Fuel Relief” program has been announced for the UK market. UK Uber drivers are currently facing a “perfect storm” of rising costs. Not only is fuel at near-record highs, but April 2026 has also seen the official end of the government’s £4,000 Plug-in Taxi Grant, making it even harder for drivers to transition to cheaper electric power.
Industry unions have been vocal about the struggle on the ground. Many drivers report they are being forced to take jobs paying as little as £1 per mile just to cover their basic overheads. While Uber has launched small-scale EV charging pilots in the North West of England, these do nothing for the thousands of drivers still relying on petrol and diesel to earn a living.
For now, it seems Uber’s commitment to “fuel relief” stops at the border, leaving UK drivers to carry the full weight of the crisis themselves.
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