Rideshare Drivers in New Orleans Struggle with Surging Gas Prices

The war in Iran has caused gas prices to rise more than a dollar in the past month, squeezing incomes for local Uber drivers.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:52pm

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a gas pump nozzle, a car key, and a crumpled rideshare driver's ID badge arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the financial pressures facing gig economy workers due to surging fuel prices.The rising cost of gas is squeezing the incomes of rideshare drivers, who have limited control over their operating expenses.New Orleans Today

As the war with Iran enters its second month, rising gas prices are having a disproportionate impact on local rideshare drivers in the New Orleans area. Uber drivers say the company's pay structure has resulted in lower incomes per ride, while gas prices have increased by over a dollar per gallon in Louisiana. Drivers are now relying on tips to make ends meet and sometimes refusing rides that are not worth the money, which in turn lowers their ratings.

Why it matters

The surge in gas prices is affecting not just rideshare drivers, but also other workers who rely on personal vehicles for their livelihoods, including in-home caregivers, food delivery drivers, and self-employed handymen and carpenters. This highlights the broader economic impact of rising fuel costs and the challenges facing gig economy workers who have limited control over their operating expenses.

The details

Courtney Cosse, who has been driving for Uber in the New Orleans area for 10 years, provided an example of a 10-mile, 26-minute ride that paid him only $7.57 through the app. He said he is now relying on tips to make an income and sometimes refuses rides if they are not worth the money, which in turn lowers his rating.

  • The war in Iran has entered its second month.
  • Gas prices in Louisiana have risen by more than a dollar per gallon in the past month.

The players

Courtney Cosse

A 10-year veteran Uber driver in the New Orleans area who is struggling with the impact of rising gas prices and Uber's pay structure changes.

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What they’re saying

“You take 50% on top of the gas, I might be doing this almost at a loss.”

— Courtney Cosse, Uber driver

“I'm depending on the kindness of a lot of people.”

— Courtney Cosse, Uber driver

The takeaway

The surge in gas prices is putting significant financial strain on gig economy workers like rideshare drivers, who have limited control over their operating expenses. This highlights the broader economic impact of rising fuel costs and the challenges facing workers in the gig economy.