A Bolt driver in Nigeria, identified as Daniel, reportedly had his account blocked after calling the company's support team to demand a fare increase in response to rising fuel prices linked to the US-Iran conflict. The dispute underscores a wider friction between ride-hailing platforms and drivers in Nigeria, where fuel costs have climbed sharply since the government removed a long-standing petrol subsidy in 2023, squeezing earnings across the gig economy.

According to a recording of the call, Daniel contacted Bolt's support to question why app fares had not been adjusted to reflect recent fuel price increases. The Founding Secretary of the Amalgamated Union of App-based Transporters of Nigeria (AUATON), Comrade Ibrahim Ayoade, stated that the driver's account was blocked shortly after the call. AUATON has been one of the main bodies advocating for app-based drivers' welfare in Nigeria, frequently clashing with platforms over commission rates and fare structures.

"After a recent call to Bolt customer support, the driver was promptly blocked. Bolt's position was clear: They are unwilling to raise fares and appear indifferent to drivers operating at a loss. This leaves drivers with a difficult choice — continue driving unprofitably or exit the platform entirely," Ayoade said.

During the call, Daniel detailed the financial strain caused by stagnant fares amid surging fuel costs: "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 naira. You can understand the margin between these two prices. How does it make sense that someone does a trip at the same price as now when fuel costs 1,400 naira? How am I supposed to continue the business? Are you guys indirectly saying you don't want people to do the business anymore?"

The support agent responded that Bolt was aware of the fuel situation and would inform drivers when prices are reviewed. Unsatisfied, Daniel pressed further: "Pending a review of the pricing, should drivers continue to work for Bolt and make a loss continuously? Whenever I go to get fuel, should I tell them that Bolt is still reviewing their prices, so they should sell fuel to me for 800 and something naira?"

The agent reiterated that Bolt connects drivers and riders using prices favourable to both parties, and that drivers would be notified of any fare review.

Daniel then outlined his recent losses. He said he purchased 40,000 naira worth of fuel on Monday and was unable to recoup the cost before running out of fuel. The pattern continued on Tuesday and Wednesday, forcing him to dip into his savings. On the day of the call, he bought 45,000 naira worth of fuel and had earned only 20,000 naira by the time he contacted support.

"I just shed tears because this is supposed to be a business and not a charity organisation for me to bear the consequences of the situation of the country. It is not my fault that fuel is the way it is. And if I tell riders to pay me a certain amount different from the amount on the app, you guys would not even hesitate to block my account once that report reaches you guys because it is against the policy. It is really heartbreaking," he said.

He also questioned the fairness of Bolt's partnership model, noting that riders pay only the amount displayed on the app, leaving fare adjustments entirely to the company.

"I am paying Bolt more than 20 per cent for every single ride I do. 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? This is heartbreaking," he concluded.

The dispute comes amid growing scrutiny of ride-hailing platforms operating in Nigeria. A related matter involves the Public Complaints Commission, which is set to investigate Uber, Bolt, and inDrive following a driver petition. The commission's intervention signals that driver grievances over fares and platform commissions are increasingly reaching official regulatory channels.

Bolt has since denied the account blockage claims. While acknowledging the interaction, a company spokesperson told Technext that Daniel's account remains active.

"While the customer support agent acknowledged his concerns, his account remained active. He got 8 orders today but completed none. The driver is not currently blocked, and he has a very poor completion rate," the spokesperson said.