Centre issues notice to Ola, Uber for different prices on Android and iPhones
Centre's notice follows complaints about price differences on Ola and Uber for Android vs iOS devices.
Uber previously denied price customization based on phone manufacturer, attributing discrepancies to trip variables.
The issue came to light after users shared photos of different prices for the same rides on Android and iOS.
After many users complained on social media about the price differences between Ola and Uber on Android and iPhones, the centre issued a notice to both cab booking companies. This comes after Consumer Affairs Minister Prahlad Joshi went to X and asked for responses on potential price differences.
“As a follow-up to the earlier observation of apparent #DifferentialPricing based on the different models of mobiles (#iPhones/ #Android) being used, Department of Consumer Affairs through the CCPA, has issued notices to major cab aggregators #Ola and #Uber, seeking their responses,” he stated in his post on X.
As a follow-up to the earlier observation of apparent #DifferentialPricing based on the different models of mobiles (#iPhones/ #Android) being used, Department of Consumer Affairs through the CCPA, has issued notices to major cab aggregators #Ola and #Uber, seeking their…
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) January 23, 2025
The issue came to light after users shared photos of different prices for the same rides on Android and iOS.
Joshi issued a warning last month, stating that he will not tolerate consumer exploitation. In addition, the ministry directed the CCPA to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations that have circulated widely online. According to the reports, these practices constitute “prima facie unfair trade practice” and a “blatant disregard” for consumer rights.
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The issue gained traction after an entrepreneur shared a post on X that displayed different prices for the same location on the Uber app. The post went viral, and many users came forward to share more information about their problem.
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Uber quickly responded to the post, saying, “Hi there, multiple differences between these two rides impact the prices. The pick-up, ETA, and drop-off points on these requests vary, resulting in different fares. Uber does not customize trip pricing based on a rider’s phone manufacturer.”
While Ola and Uber have not issued an official statement regarding the notice. Stay tuned to Digit for more information and official statements from Ola and Uber.
Ashish Singh
Ashish Singh is the Chief Copy Editor at Digit. Previously, he worked as a Senior Sub-Editor with Jagran English from 2022, and has been a journalist since 2020, with experience at Times Internet. Ashish specializes in Technology. In his free time, you can find him exploring new gadgets, gaming, and discovering new places. View Full Profile