As fuel prices climb to their highest levels in recent memory, Grab Philippines and MOVE IT have rolled out immediate support measures for their driver-, delivery-, and rider-partners—reflecting the same spirit of solidarity and care extended to transport partners during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The initiatives aim to help thousands of platform-based transport workers cope with rising fuel costs while protecting their livelihoods and ensuring that Filipinos who depend on ride-hailing, delivery, and motorcycle taxi services continue to have reliable mobility options.
The intervention comes as pump prices continue to surge amid global supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions affecting the oil market. Diesel and gasoline prices have risen sharply in recent weeks, significantly increasing the daily operating costs of drivers who shoulder fuel expenses out of pocket.
Recognizing the strain on drivers’ earnings, both platforms said their support package focuses on three key pillars: fuel cost relief, earnings protection, and regulatory engagement, designed to cushion the impact of the oil price shock while maintaining service reliability for passengers.
“Our immediate priority is to help ensure that our drivers continue to earn viably and fairly for their families, while preserving service reliability for passengers and the sustainability of the platform as we collectively navigate volatility in the global fuel market,” said Ronald Roda, managing director of Grab Philippines.
He noted that protecting driver earnings is critical at a time when more Filipino households may turn to shared mobility to manage the rising costs of operating private vehicles.
Why it matters for drivers and commuters
When fuel prices spike, drivers are often the first to feel the pressure. Higher fuel costs can force some drivers to temporarily go offline, affecting the availability of ride-hailing and delivery services that many commuters and small businesses rely on daily.
By rolling out early support measures, Grab and MOVE IT aim to help drivers stay on the road while ensuring passengers continue to benefit from safe, dependable, and accessible transport and delivery services.
Fuel cost relief through industry partnerships
As part of the program, drivers can access fuel discounts through partnerships with major fuel providers including Seaoil Philippines, Caltex, Blu Energy, and Shell Pilipinas.
Through participating stations nationwide, driver-partners operating both four-wheel and two-wheel vehicles may receive fuel savings of up to ₱4 per liter.
In addition, Grab Finance is launching a targeted fuel rebate program through the Shell Fuel Card for nearly 20,000 eligible drivers and riders nationwide. Starting March 16 until the end of March, partners who refuel using their active Grab Finance Shell Fuel Cards will receive a ₱3-per-liter rebate, credited directly to them based on program mechanics.
Earnings protection and expanded incentives
To help stabilize take-home earnings, Grab is also introducing incentive adjustments across its services.
GrabCar driver-partners will benefit from commission rebates and per-trip cashback incentives, particularly during peak demand periods when fuel consumption tends to be highest.
Meanwhile, GrabFood delivery partners using motorcycles will receive a ₱3 spot bonus per completed delivery nationwide, regardless of total online hours or number of trips completed.
Recognizing that motorcycle taxi riders operate under different cost structures, MOVE IT is launching “Power Pasada,” a dedicated fuel resilience program designed specifically for two-wheel transport professionals.
The program includes monthly fuel allowances for consistently active rider-partners, along with AM and PM peak-hour incentives to help support riders during periods of higher demand.
Coordination with government and stakeholders
Both platforms are also maintaining active discussions with regulators, including the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Department of Transportation, regarding the impact of the fuel price surge on ride-hailing and motorcycle taxi drivers.
The government recently announced a ₱5,000 fuel subsidy for affected transport workers, to be distributed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in coordination with the Department of Transportation.
“We thank the DOTr and DSWD for recognizing TNVS professionals as equal partners in keeping the country’s transport ecosystem alive,” said Lisza Buscaino-Redulla, president of the United Transportation Coalition Philippines.
Transport sector leaders are also engaging regulators and the Department of Information and Communications Technology to explore additional support mechanisms for motorcycle taxi and on-demand delivery professionals.
“It is imperative that the entire transport ecosystem works together in finding the right support programs as we collectively try to survive this oil challenge,” said Romeo Maglunsod, chairman of the Motorcycle Taxi Community Philippines.
Commitment to sustained support
Grab and MOVE IT emphasized that the programs announced represent an initial response to the current fuel crisis, noting that both platforms will continue monitoring developments in the global oil market.
They also pledged to work closely with regulators, transport groups, and driver communities to ensure the country’s ride-hailing and delivery ecosystem remains resilient—and that the drivers who keep it running receive meaningful support during this challenging period.