Union Minister of Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi has reiterated a “zero tolerance for consumer exploitation” in response to reports of price differentiation between iPhone and Android users on ride-hailing apps.
Responding to a media report alleging that ride-hailing apps’ algorithms charge Apple users more than Android users, Joshi described the practice as a potential unfair trade practice. “This prima facie looks like an unfair trade practice where cab aggregators are allegedly using differential pricing based on factors mentioned in the article. If true, this is a blatant disregard for the consumer’s right to know,” Joshi posted on the social media platform X.
He directed the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to investigate these pricing discrepancies. Furthermore, he ordered an inquiry into similar practices on food delivery and online ticket booking platforms.
“I have directed @jagograhakjago, through the CCPA, to conduct a detailed inquiry and submit a report at the earliest. The department has also been asked to examine other sectors, such as food delivery and online ticket booking apps,” he said.
The directive comes after media reports highlighted instances of price disparities based on the mobile platform used for the same service.
Earlier, Niraali Parekh, Founder and Creative Director of Bokap Designs, raised the issue on LinkedIn, sharing how their colleague observed different Uber ride fares when booking simultaneously on an Android and an iPhone for the same route.
“On Android, the fare was Rs 290.79, while on iPhone, it jumped to Rs 342.47,” Parekh noted.
While some users defended the pricing as an outcome of data-driven business models, others pointed out similar patterns on platforms like MakeMyTrip when booking hotels.
(ians)
