New Delhi: Cab aggregators Ola and Uber have denied allegations of differential pricing based on smartphone types after receiving notices from the Ministry of Consumer Affairs. The ministry sought clarification on reports that iPhone users were charged more than Android users for the same trips.
Both companies rejected the claims, stating they do not discriminate based on phone models. Ola affirmed a “homogenous pricing structure” for all customers and clarified this to the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA). Uber also denied setting prices based on phone manufacturers. Both companies expressed willingness to work with the CCPA to address any misunderstandings. “We do not differentiate based on the operating system of the user’s cellphone for identical rides,” Ola said in a statement.
“We have clarified the same to the CCPA today, and we will work with them to clear any misunderstanding in this regard,” the company spokesperson added. Apple and Google haven’t commented on the matter.
Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi stated that the CCPA is investigating and will also examine similar practices in food delivery and online ticket booking. He had previously criticised differential pricing as an “unfair trade practice” violating consumer rights.
“We look forward to working with the CCPA to clear up any misunderstanding,” the spokesperson said.
Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday said that the CCPA had issued notices to the cab aggregators over the “differential pricing” to book rides, and further said that he would also ask the CCPA to look into alleged same practices used by other sectors, including food delivery and online ticket-booking apps.
The Minister had earlier described the differential pricing as an “unfair trade practice” which was a “blatant disregard” for the rights of the consumers.
The issue gained traction after a Delhi entrepreneur highlighted fare variations across devices and battery levels on social media, following a similar incident in December involving an Uber fare comparison.
