DoorDash launches temporary gas relief program for drivers

On Monday, DoorDash announced the rollout of a temporary relief program to support its drivers in the U.S. and Canada with rising gas costs. The initiative, which runs through April 26, helps offset rising fuel costs for Dashers (DoorDash drivers) who rely on their personal vehicles for deliveries. The program is launched as the ongoing Iran-U.S. war contributes to a significant spike in gas prices.

The program’s eligibility and benefits include:

• Weekly mileage threshold: Drivers who drive at least 125 miles per week can receive payments starting at $5. This translates to estimated savings of $1 to $1.50 per gallon.
• Debit card rewards: Drivers who use the Crimson debit card, DoorDash’s branded debit card, will receive an extra 10% cash back on gas purchases. This offers potential savings of up to $1.90 per gallon.

The initiative comes as the ongoing Iran-U.S. war contributes to a significant spike in gas prices. According to AAA, the national average for regular gas is now just under $3.96 per gallon, which is over $1 higher than it was a month ago. In some areas, prices have reached around $4 per gallon. These rising costs create a challenging environment for delivery workers who must absorb the expenses to continue operating.

For gig workers (independent contractors), who are responsible for their own fuel and vehicle maintenance, these rising costs can turn the role into a “financially unsustainable job.” A May 2025 survey by Human Rights Watch of gig workers in Texas highlighted this burden, showing that drivers spent an average of $100 per week on fuel, or $2.76 for each hour worked, when gas was $3 per gallon.

With current prices, the situation has become even more “dire.” This relief effort mirrors industry responses from 2022, when competitors like Uber introduced a fuel surcharge and Grubhub increased driver pay during a similar fuel price surge. However, it remains uncertain if other delivery services will follow DoorDash’s lead in the current market, leaving drivers to navigate the rising costs independently.

Why it matters

DoorDash is attempting to stabilize its driver supply by mitigating the financial impact of rising fuel costs, a move that highlights the ongoing volatility of gig work economics during geopolitical instability.