Ola and Uber Face Notices Over Alleged Higher Fares for iPhone Users: Consumer Affairs Ministry Investigates
Ola and Uber Face Notices Over Alleged Higher Fares for iPhone Users: Consumer Affairs Ministry Investigates
The Department of Consumer Affairs has sent notices to cab companies Ola and Uber after concerns about charging different fares depending on whether a customer uses an iPhone or an Android phone to book a ride.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi explained, “The Department of Consumer Affairs, through the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), has issued notices to Ola and Uber, asking them to explain the issue of possible differential pricing based on the type of mobile device used—iPhone or Android.” The companies have been asked to respond to these notices.
As a follow-up to the earlier observation of apparent #DifferentialPricing based on the different models of mobiles (#iPhones/ #Android) being used, Department of Consumer Affairs through the CCPA, has issued notices to major cab aggregators #Ola and #Uber, seeking their…
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) January 23, 2025
Last month, Joshi warned that there would be “zero tolerance for consumer exploitation” and asked the CCPA to investigate the matter thoroughly. He stated that if these claims are true, it would show “blatant disregard” for consumers’ rights.
On X (formerly Twitter), Joshi wrote, “This seems to be an unfair trade practice, with cab companies allegedly using different pricing based on the factors discussed. If true, this is a clear violation of consumers’ rights.” He also announced plans to check other sectors, like food delivery and online ticketing apps, for similar issues.
Same pickup point, destination & time but 2 different phones get 2 different rates. It happens with me as I always get higher rates on my Uber as compared to my daughter’s phone. So most of the time, I request her to book my Uber. Does this happen with you also? What is the hack? pic.twitter.com/bFqMT0zZpW
— SUDHIR (@seriousfunnyguy) December 23, 2024
The discussion began last month when a user named @seriousfunnyguy shared screenshots comparing Uber fares on an iPhone and an Android phone for the same ride. Despite having the same pickup location, destination, and timing, the fares were different. The user shared their experience of consistently seeing higher fares on their Uber app than on their daughter’s phone and often asking her to book rides to save money. They asked others if they had noticed the same thing, sparking widespread debate online.
