Gig Drivers in Baltimore Region Struggle with Surging Gas Prices

Rising fuel costs are squeezing the budgets of rideshare and delivery workers across Maryland.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:06am

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A geometric abstract illustration using bold shapes and primary colors to conceptually represent the economic strain of rising gas prices on gig economy workers.The surging cost of gas is squeezing the budgets of gig economy workers in Baltimore, forcing many to work longer hours or cut household expenses.Baltimore Today

As oil prices continue to climb due to the ongoing war with Iran, gas prices in the Baltimore region have surged, causing significant financial strain for gig economy workers who rely on their vehicles to earn a living. Rideshare drivers at Baltimore-Washington International Airport report having to pay nearly $50 to fill up their tanks, up from around $35 before the price hikes. Some gig workers say they're working longer hours or cutting household expenses to compensate, but many are unsure how much longer they can sustain the higher fuel costs.

Why it matters

Gig economy jobs like rideshare driving and food delivery have become an important source of income for many Marylanders, but the rise in gas prices threatens to undermine the financial viability of these positions. The squeeze on gig workers could have ripple effects across the local economy if these workers are forced to cut back on spending or exit the industry altogether.

The details

Gig drivers at BWI Airport say the recent spike in gas prices, with regular gas now costing between $4.10 and $4.19 per gallon across the Baltimore region, has significantly impacted their bottom lines. One Uber driver, Lucy Morales, noted that her gas costs have risen from around $35 to fill up to nearly $50, a substantial increase that is eating into her earnings. To compensate, some gig workers say they're taking on additional shifts or cutting household expenses, but many are unsure how long they can sustain the higher fuel costs. The major gig companies, including Uber, DoorDash, and Instacart, have not implemented any fuel surcharges or additional driver incentives to offset the price hikes.

  • The surge in gas prices has occurred as the war with Iran continues, driving up global oil prices.
  • Rideshare drivers at BWI Airport reported the financial impact on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.

The players

Lucy Morales

A two-year veteran Uber driver who has seen her gas costs rise from around $35 to nearly $50 to fill up her tank.

Uber

A major rideshare company that employs gig workers in the Baltimore region.

DoorDash

A food delivery service that relies on gig workers to fulfill orders in the Baltimore area.

Instacart

A grocery delivery platform that utilizes gig workers to shop and deliver orders in the Baltimore region.

Lyft

A rideshare company that competes with Uber in the Baltimore market.

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What they’re saying

“It's crazy. It's just crazy. It's bad.”

— Lucy Morales, Uber Driver

“Of course, it's hard.”

— Lucy Morales, Uber Driver

“I hope this can be better soon.”

— Lucy Morales, Uber Driver

What’s next

The major gig companies have not yet announced any plans to implement fuel surcharges or additional driver incentives to help offset the rising gas prices. Gig workers will likely continue to feel the financial squeeze until the companies take action or gas prices stabilize.

The takeaway

The surge in gas prices is putting significant strain on the budgets of gig economy workers in the Baltimore region, many of whom are struggling to maintain their earnings as fuel costs eat into their take-home pay. This highlights the vulnerability of the gig economy model, which relies on workers providing their own vehicles, to external economic shocks.