DoorDash is offering relief payments to drivers as the Iran-US war sends gas prices soaring

With the ongoing war between Iran and the United States contributing to a spike in gas prices, DoorDash is stepping in to support its drivers in the United States and Canada.

The company announced Monday the launch of a temporary program aimed at easing the financial burden on Dashers who rely on their cars for deliveries.

DoorDash’s relief program, which runs through April 26, is offering weekly payments to eligible drivers. Drivers who drive at least 125 miles per week can get payments starting at $5, translating into an estimated savings of $1 to $1.50 per gallon. The support can be especially useful for drivers in suburban and rural areas who travel longer distances.

Additionally, drivers who use DoorDash’s Crimson debit card will benefit from an additional 10% cash back on gas purchases, giving them potential savings of up to $1.90 per gallon.

Gasoline is one of the biggest expenses for delivery drivers. Unlike traditional employees, freelancers are responsible for covering their own costs, including fuel, vehicle maintenance, and insurance. A May 2025 Human Rights Watch study found that gig workers in Texas spent an average of $100 per week on fuel, or $2.76 per hour worked. At the time of the survey, the price of gas in Texas was about $3 per gallon.

Now the situation has become more dangerous. According to AAA, the national average for regular gas is now just under $3.96 per gallon. That’s more than $1 higher than a month ago. In some areas, prices reached about $4 per gallon.

As gas prices rise, drivers’ weekly fuel costs can jump significantly without any increase in pay rates from the platforms they work for. At the same time, demand for deliveries may fluctuate due to higher overall costs of living, meaning drivers can’t always count on more orders to offset expenses. The result: drivers earn less per delivery while working the same or even longer hours. For many, this turns freelance work from a flexible source of income into a financially unsustainable job, forcing some drivers to reduce working hours or leave the industry altogether.

The gas rewards program is reminiscent of a similar program DoorDash implemented in 2022 when gas prices soared after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In the same year, Uber imposed fuel surcharges to support drivers, and GrubHub increased wages for its drivers as fuel prices rose to record levels.

It remains uncertain whether other delivery services will follow DoorDash’s lead this time.