Rising gas prices impact Baltimore-area rideshare drivers' profits

Uber and private transportation drivers struggle with higher fuel costs

Published on Mar. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Gas prices in Maryland have continued to rise due to the ongoing military action in Iran, which is having a significant impact on people who drive for a living. Rideshare drivers in the Baltimore area, such as Uber and private transportation providers, are seeing their profits squeezed as they have to spend more on fuel to operate their vehicles.

Why it matters

The rise in gas prices is a major concern for Baltimore-area rideshare drivers, as fuel costs make up a substantial portion of their operating expenses. This is putting pressure on their bottom lines and could force some drivers to reduce their work hours or even consider alternative employment options if the high prices persist.

The details

Uber driver Amadou Bah said he used to spend $20-$30 per day on gas, but that has now increased to around $40. Another driver, Joseph Collins, who also owns a private transportation company, said he's paying $90 to fill up his SUV, compared to $60 previously. Collins said he may have to start charging a fuel service fee to his private company's customers and expects Uber to do the same for riders to offset the higher gas prices.

  • Gas prices in Maryland have been rising since the start of the military action in Iran.
  • Prices have increased from around $2.55-$2.80 per gallon to $3.49 per gallon.

The players

Amadou Bah

An Uber driver with over seven years of experience.

Joseph Collins

An Uber driver who also owns a private transportation company.

Matt McClain

A petroleum analyst with GasBuddy.

Tom Kloza

The chief oil adviser for Gulf Oil.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If I'm paying $60 to fill up my SUV, and now, I'm paying $90 — so that's $30, two or three times a week. That's $100 a week that you're going to lose, and Uber is not reimbursing us for that.”

— Joseph Collins, Uber driver and private transportation company owner (WBAL-TV 11 News)

“You're going to see another 25 to 50 cents almost immediately.”

— Tom Kloza, Chief oil adviser for Gulf Oil (WBAL-TV 11 News)

What’s next

Rideshare drivers in the Baltimore area are hoping for a decrease in gas prices, but they are preparing for the worst by potentially reducing their work hours or passing on the higher fuel costs to their customers through service fees.

The takeaway

The rise in gas prices is putting significant financial strain on Baltimore-area rideshare drivers, who are struggling to maintain their profits as fuel costs eat into their earnings. This situation highlights the vulnerability of gig economy workers to external economic factors and the need for more support or protections for these drivers.