Rising Gas Prices Squeeze Workers Who Drive for a Living

Ride-share drivers, delivery workers, and other self-employed professionals face a double blow from soaring fuel costs.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:18pm

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A conceptual illustration in the Bauhaus style, featuring bold geometric shapes in shades of red, blue, and yellow, representing the economic impact of rising fuel costs on workers who drive for a living.As gas prices surge, the financial burden falls heavily on workers who rely on their personal vehicles to earn a living.Oakland Today

Rising gasoline prices are hitting hard for many Americans who rely on their personal vehicles for work, including Uber drivers, delivery workers, and self-employed professionals like electricians and real estate agents. With the national average price for gas reaching $3.99 per gallon, up 34% from a month earlier, these workers are struggling to make ends meet as their fuel costs eat into their earnings. Some companies are increasing mileage reimbursement rates or providing temporary gas price incentives, but many workers say it's not enough to offset the financial strain.

Why it matters

The surge in gas prices is a major challenge for the millions of Americans who use their own vehicles as an essential part of their jobs, from ride-share drivers to home health aides. These workers often lack the ability to pass on increased fuel costs to customers or clients, putting significant pressure on their livelihoods and personal finances.

The details

Uber driver Leslie Sherman-Shafer in the San Francisco Bay Area said the cost to fill up her Toyota Corolla has risen from around $25 to $40 since the start of the war in Iran. She's working extra hours to cover the difference, but says most passengers don't tip enough to make up for the higher gas prices. Other companies like the housekeeping service Alpine Maids and the pet care business Doggy Lama are raising their mileage reimbursement rates, but the increases aren't keeping pace with the rapid rise in fuel costs. Delivery workers like Sarah Noell in Virginia are becoming more selective about which orders they accept to ensure each trip is profitable after accounting for gas.

  • The national average price for gas reached $3.99 per gallon on Monday, March 28, 2026, up 34% from a month earlier.
  • The war in Iran that began on February 28, 2026 has disrupted global oil supplies and pushed up fuel prices.

The players

Leslie Sherman-Shafer

An Uber driver in the San Francisco Bay Area who is struggling with the rise in gas prices, which has increased the cost to fill up her Toyota Corolla from around $25 to $40.

Chris Willatt

The owner of the Denver-based housekeeping company Alpine Maids, which pays its cleaners the federal mileage reimbursement rate, which is not keeping up with the spike in gas prices.

Molly Kenefick

The owner of Doggy Lama Pet Care Inc. in Oakland, California, who recently raised her gas reimbursement rate to 80 cents per mile for her 15 employees who use their own vehicles.

Sarah Noell

A DoorDash delivery worker in Lynchburg, Virginia who is refusing orders that won't average out to $1 per mile, including the $2.50 per order she gets from DoorDash, as gas prices have nearly doubled the cost to fill her tank.

Rachel Hunter

The co-founder of Cactus Crew Junk Removal & Thrift Store in Phoenix, whose diesel truck now costs $6.09 per gallon, up from $3.62 just a few weeks ago, putting pressure on her business.

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What they’re saying

“We don't get reimbursed for gas. We rely on the generosity of the tip.”

— Leslie Sherman-Shafer, Uber driver

“Our maids drive their own cars, so it's kind of like their paycheck got smaller.”

— Chris Willatt, Owner, Alpine Maids

“The major difficulty right now is finding our balance on our business since we sold services with the vehicles at a certain price for diesel that was much cheaper. And we're not going to ask customers to pay that difference.”

— Sarah Bahezre, Manager, Ulysse Cars

What’s next

Many companies and workers are closely monitoring gas prices and adjusting their business models and compensation accordingly. If prices continue to rise, more businesses may need to raise prices or seek government assistance to offset the impact on their employees.

The takeaway

The surge in gas prices is creating a major financial strain for the millions of Americans who rely on their personal vehicles for their livelihoods, from ride-share drivers to delivery workers to self-employed professionals. While some companies are offering temporary relief, the long-term impact on these workers' earnings and the broader economy remains uncertain.