ORLANDO, Fla. – If you rely on rideshare apps or food delivery services, you may soon notice longer wait times — or fewer drivers available.
Drivers say rising gas prices are cutting into their profits and forcing many to rethink when and where they work.
Since the war in Iran, gas prices have climbed nationwide, putting additional pressure on drivers who depend on the road to make a living. Multiple rideshare drivers in Orange County told News 6 the rising costs are hitting them hard.
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“Right now you have to spend more to travel, work and everything,” one driver said.
With more money going straight into the gas tank, many drivers say they’re feeling the squeeze.
“I’m feeling everything,” said another driver who works for both Uber and Lyft.
According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline has jumped nearly 35 cents in the past week, continuing an upward trend tied to instability in the Middle East and rising crude oil prices.
A AAA spokesperson says Florida’s statewide average is about $3.72 per gallon, while the price in Orlando is slightly higher at around $3.76.
Experts say gas prices are still adjusting to sharp increases in the crude oil market following the conflict.
“When you’re in war, everything is changing,” one driver said. “Rent goes up, gas goes up, food goes up.”
Drivers say they are now checking their gas levels before deciding whether to accept rides.
“Before, to fill my tank it was about $35. Right now it costs me $55,” one driver said. Another driver said his fill-up has jumped from about $35 to more than $50.
As costs rise, many drivers say they’re becoming more selective about the rides they accept.
“It depends on the time and the miles,” one driver explained. “Normally in the morning it’s not good, and the night is better.”
Some drivers say the short trips offered through apps often aren’t worth it.
“Uber can tell you it’s four or five minutes, but it’s almost 15 minutes for four dollars,” one driver said. “They don’t count the traffic or traffic lights, so it’s not worth it.”
Even drivers who run their own transportation businesses say they’ve had to increase prices to keep up.
“I used to charge $100, now I charge $120 to make up for my gas and time,” one driver said. “It’s the only way it will work.”
Experts warn gas prices could continue to rise before they begin to stabilize — something drivers say could hurt both them and their customers.
“The customers suffer and the drivers suffer,” one driver said.
Drivers say they hope prices drop soon so their work — and riders’ wait times — can return to normal.