Cab companies Ola and Uber have received notices from the Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) for allegedly charging different prices to customers depending on whether they use an iPhone or an Android phone. Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi shared this news in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
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
Minister Joshi pointed out that there seems to be “differential pricing” based on the type of mobile phone customers are using. The CCPA has asked both companies to explain their pricing practices.
This action comes after Joshi previously stated that there would be “zero tolerance for consumer exploitation.” He had instructed the CCPA to look into these claims, calling the practice “unfair” and showing a “blatant disregard” for consumers’ rights to clear information about pricing.
The investigation into Ola and Uber’s pricing raises important questions about fairness in the ride-hailing industry. As the CCPA continues its inquiry, both companies will need to respond to these serious allegations and clarify how they set their prices.
Consumers and industry watchers will be paying close attention to see how this situation develops and what steps will be taken to protect users in the ride-sharing market.
