In light of the ongoing conflict between Iran and the U.S. leading to a notable increase in gas prices, DoorDash is intervening to assist its drivers in both the U.S. and Canada. 

The company revealed on Monday the introduction of a temporary initiative designed to alleviate the financial strain on Dashers dependent on their vehicles for deliveries. 

DoorDash’s support initiative, which is active until April 26, provides weekly payments to qualifying drivers. Dashers who drive a minimum of 125 miles weekly can access payments beginning at $5, equating to estimated savings of $1 to $1.50 per gallon. This assistance could hold particular significance for drivers in suburban and rural locales who cover greater distances.

Moreover, drivers using DoorDash’s Crimson debit card will gain an additional 10% cash back on their gas expenditures, presenting the possibility of savings up to $1.90 per gallon. 

Fuel costs are among the largest expenses for delivery drivers. Unlike standard employees, gig workers are accountable for their own expenses, which include fuel, vehicle upkeep, and insurance. A Human Rights Watch study conducted in May 2025 indicated that gig workers in Texas expended an average of $100 each week on fuel, or $2.76 per hour worked. At the time of this inquiry, gasoline prices in Texas hovered around $3 per gallon.

Presently, the situation has worsened further. As per AAA, the national average for regular gasoline is slightly below $3.96 per gallon. This marks an increase of over $1 compared to a month prior. In certain regions, prices have escalated to approximately $4 per gallon. 

With rising gas prices, the weekly fuel expenses for drivers can escalate sharply without any corresponding increase in payment from the platforms they are affiliated with. Simultaneously, the demand for deliveries may vary due to elevated overall living costs, meaning drivers cannot consistently count on increased orders to balance their expenses. The outcome: Drivers are receiving less profit per delivery while working the same or extended hours. For many, this shifts gig work from a flexible income possibility to a financially untenable job, compelling some drivers to decrease hours or exit the sector entirely. 

The gas rewards initiative echoes a similar program that DoorDash rolled out in 2022 when gas prices spiked following Russia’s incursion into Ukraine. That year, Uber also launched a fuel surcharge to aid drivers, and Grubhub boosted compensation for its drivers amidst record-high fuel costs.

It remains unclear whether other delivery services will take a cue from DoorDash this time.