Passengers traveling to and from Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru are facing a troubling issue with some local cab drivers, who are allegedly stopping mid-journey at petrol stations and demanding that passengers pay for fuel. Several commuters have shared their experiences on social media, claiming that drivers are using this tactic to extract additional payments, citing the need to refuel the vehicle as the reason for the delay.
According to the complaints, the drivers, after picking up passengers from the airport or from designated pick-up points, suddenly halt at petrol stations, insisting that the passenger pay for the fuel before continuing the journey. In some cases, drivers claim that they are “low on fuel” and refuse to proceed further unless passengers cover the cost of refueling. This has left many travelers frustrated, as they were unaware of this added cost at the time of booking their ride.
The issue seems to be a growing concern for travelers using ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber, as well as traditional cabs, who have reported similar experiences. Several passengers have posted about their experiences online, detailing how they were asked to pay anywhere from a few hundred rupees to larger sums, depending on how much fuel the driver claimed was needed.
One passenger tweeted, “The driver stopped at a petrol station on the way to the airport and said he had no fuel left. He insisted that I pay for the fuel before he continued the trip. This is absolutely unacceptable!” Other passengers echoed similar complaints, adding that they were forced to pay extra or risk missing their flight, as the drivers refused to continue the journey until the additional fuel payment was made.
A Growing Issue with Ride-Hailing Services
This alleged tactic of forcing passengers to pay for fuel has raised questions about accountability and transparency in the ride-hailing industry, as well as the lack of regulation and enforcement of ethical practices among cab operators. While ride-hailing services typically include fuel costs in the total fare, some drivers appear to be exploiting this loophole, using it as a way to make extra money under the guise of a “fuel shortage.”
For many passengers, especially those on tight schedules or with little knowledge of the route, this practice is causing a great deal of inconvenience. Travelers, who may already be paying a premium for the convenience of airport rides, feel deceived and unfairly burdened by these extra, unexpected charges.
What Is Being Done About It?
So far, there has been no official response from the ride-hailing services regarding this issue. However, the complaints have sparked debate online, with many calling for better regulation and a clearer framework to prevent such incidents. Some have suggested that ride-hailing apps introduce a system that ensures the driver’s fuel levels are checked before starting a trip, or include an option to explicitly cover fuel costs as part of the fare at the time of booking.
Airport authorities have also been urged to step in and help regulate cab services more effectively, ensuring that both the drivers and passengers are treated fairly. The possibility of installing fuel checks or implementing stricter driver training programs that include ethical conduct could help address the problem.
Passenger Awareness and Precautions
In the meantime, passengers traveling to and from Bengaluru Airport are advised to be cautious when booking cabs. It’s recommended to confirm the fare and any additional costs, including fuel, before starting the journey. Passengers should also ensure that their ride-hailing app fare is confirmed upfront to avoid any confusion later.
If a passenger is uncomfortable with a driver’s demand for extra payment, it is advisable to report the incident immediately via the ride-hailing app’s customer support. Most apps have a rating and complaint system that allows passengers to flag inappropriate behavior, which can help bring attention to recurring issues.
Conclusion
While Bengaluru continues to grow as a bustling travel hub, issues like this one regarding extra fuel charges raise important questions about the need for better regulation and more transparency in the ride-hailing industry. In the meantime, travelers should stay vigilant, be proactive about confirming costs, and report any unethical practices they encounter to ensure that such tactics are curtailed. It is essential for the authorities, both at the airport and within the ride-hailing services, to take swift action to prevent this growing problem from tarnishing the reputation of Bengaluru as a major travel destination.
