Taxi aggregators Ola and Uber have been issued notices by the government over concerns that their apps may charge different prices depending on the device you use.
Prahad Joshi, Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food, Public Distribution and New and Renewable Energy, tweeted on Thursday that the ministry had sent notices to both companies through the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) seeking action.
“Following up on earlier observations of apparent pricing based on different models of mobile phones (iPhone/Android) used, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, through CCPA, has issued notices to major taxi aggregators Ola and Uber. I have issued a notification asking for its use. I have responded,” Joshi tweeted.
As a follow-up to earlier observations of apparent #DifferentialPricing based on different models of mobile phones used (#iPhone/#Android), Ministry of Consumer Affairs issues notice to major taxi aggregators #Ola and #Uber through CCPA I did. , seeking them…
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) January 23, 2025
Multiple users complained on social media with videos that iPhone users were being charged more for the same ride than those using Android phones.
Last year, Joshi responded to reports about price disparities, saying: “We have no tolerance for consumer exploitation.”
“At first glance, this appears to be an unfair trade practice where taxi aggregators are allegedly charging different prices based on the factors mentioned in the article below. This is a blatant disregard for the right to know,” Joshi wrote, adding that he has directed the ministry through the CCPA to conduct a detailed investigation into this and submit a report at the earliest.
Citizens also raised similar issues with food delivery and quick commerce apps.
The minister told the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to “investigate other areas” such as food delivery apps and online ticket booking apps.
Are Uber and Ola prices different on Android and iPhone?
iPhone users were shown higher estimated fares than Android users when booking a ride with Ola or Uber, according to videos and posts by social media users.
So Ola and Uber prices are different for iPhone and Android phones. The same goes for quick commerce and food delivery apps. Apparently, Android users are considered deal hunters and often get more discounts, while iPhone users are considered “rich” and less price sensitive… pic.twitter.com/JhcpbHrwZz
— Itu Rathore (@iturathole) December 26, 2024
Another user today shared a tweet from last month showing that Uber fares are the same on both Android and iPhone while replying to Prahlad Joshi’s tweet.
Debunking the #ios vs #Android debate on app pricing at @Uber_India. Same source, same destination, and most importantly, use the same account on both devices. There is no difference at all!! #AppPricing #Uber @ramsundaramTOI pic.twitter.com/wr0RgcdD7M
— Somil Agrawal (@somilagrawal) December 26, 2024
Uber denied that its operating system affected taxi fares, saying it was due to seat availability and peak times, but Ola did not respond to the video.
Both Ola and Uber are yet to respond to the government’s notice.
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