DoorDash Offering Relief Program to its Drivers as Gas Prices Rise

DoorDash is rolling out a new emergency relief program for its drivers, hoping it will help amid rising gas prices as the Iran war rages on.

The delivery service’s new program is set to offer 10% cash back to DoorDash Dashers filling up on gas, including those who use DoorDash cards. Weekly relief payments will also be available to eligible drivers, the company said.

As gas prices remain high for some, here’s what to know about the new program helping Dashers.

DoorDash’s new program allows Dashers in the United States to get 10% cash back on gas if they use the DoorDash Crimson card. Weekly relief payments are also available for Dashers who drive 125 miles or more while dashing, the company said in a release.

Dashers who qualify for both cash back and relief payments could save between $1.40-$1.90 per gallon based on their miles driven while actively completing deliveries in a week, according to the release.

Dashers with a DoorDash Crimson Visa Debit Card will earn 10% cash back on every qualifying gas purchase at the pump, including any U.S. gas station, while they are actively making a DoorDash delivery or not. Dashers without a DoorDash Crimson card can apply in the Dasher app.

Additionally, eligible Dashers who drive 125 miles or more on deliveries will receive a weekly fuel relief payment starting at $5 and possibly increasing to a maximum of $15 a week, depending on how many miles they drive, according to the release.

“This is especially impactful for Dashers in rural or suburban areas who may travel more miles on delivery,” the release states. “Dashers could save an estimated $1 to $1.50 a gallon from weekly relief payments alone, depending on how many miles they dash.”

Drivers with electric vehicles or considering getting one can also receive relief benefits, with DoorDash offering dedicated programs to help reduce the cost of a new vehicle and reduce charging costs, according to the release. DoorDash Crimson cardholders earn 2% cash back on EV-charging purchases, while all DoorDash drivers can receive discounts on EV charging.

The program will run until April 26, DoorDash said in the release.

Cody Aughney, vice president of Dasher and logistics at DoorDash, said in the release that rising gas prices impacted Dashers, especially those delivering the most goods.

“This program is about giving Dashers real savings at the pump,” Aughney said.

DoorDash’s relief program comes as gas prices have increased in the United States amid the Iran war, putting pressure on the wallets of Dashers and consumers alike.

Consumers have seen prices jump nearly a $1 at the pump over the last three weeks, while the United States, Israel and Iran entered a new phase in the ongoing war, in which oil and gas have become key targets for both sides.

The nationwide average for a gallon of gas was $3.928 around noon ET on March 23, up one dollar from the previous month.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: DoorDash offering relief program to its drivers as gas prices rise

Reporting by Kate Perez, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect