A dispute between a Bolt driver and the ride-hailing platform has reignited concerns over driver earnings, after claims emerged that the driver was blocked from the app for demanding higher fares following the recent rise in fuel prices.
The controversy began when a driver identified as Daniel contacted Bolt’s customer support to question why fares had not been adjusted despite the sharp increase in fuel costs.
In an audio recording that has circulated online, Daniel expressed frustration over what he described as unsustainable operating conditions, saying drivers were now working at a loss.
“I feel like you guys are not aware of the fuel increment in the country right now. The prices on the app have been the same way right from when fuel was sold for 800 and something naira. And just this evening, I bought fuel for ₦1,400 per litre. How am I supposed to continue the business?”
He argued that while drivers are prohibited from charging passengers more than the fare displayed on the app, Bolt had failed to adjust its pricing to reflect the rising cost of fuel.
According to Daniel, the situation had become financially unbearable.
He claimed he spent ₦40,000 on fuel on Monday but failed to recover the amount before running out of fuel. He said the same happened on Tuesday and Wednesday, forcing him to dip into his savings to continue working.
The driver added that on the day he contacted Bolt, he purchased ₦45,000 worth of fuel but had earned only ₦20,000 at the time of the call.
“I just shed tears because this is supposed to be a business and not a charity organisation. It is not my fault that fuel is the way it is.”
Daniel also questioned why Bolt continued to deduct more than 20 percent from every completed trip while drivers struggled to make a profit.
“You guys are making your profit, riders are getting the service they paid for, so why can’t I make a profit as a driver working with you guys?”
During the conversation, the Bolt support representative acknowledged the driver’s concerns but explained that fare reviews are carried out periodically and that drivers would be notified whenever any changes are made.
The issue gained wider attention after Comrade Ibrahim Ayoade, Founding Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), claimed the driver was blocked shortly after contacting customer support.
According to Ayoade, the incident reflected growing frustration among ride-hailing drivers, many of whom believe current fares no longer reflect the realities of operating costs.
However, Bolt has denied claims that Daniel’s account was suspended because of his complaint.
In a statement to Technext, a company spokesperson said the driver’s account remains active but alleged that he has refused to complete ride requests.
“While the customer support agent acknowledged his concerns, his account remained active. He got eight orders today but completed none. The driver is not currently blocked, and he has a very poor completion rate.”
The incident has renewed calls from drivers for ride-hailing platforms to review fare structures in response to rising fuel prices and other operating expenses, with many arguing that current rates make it increasingly difficult to run a profitable business.