Vietnam’s competition regulator is reviewing Grab’s pricing, fees and commission policies after recent social media calls by drivers to boycott the app and complaints that lower fares and platform deductions have impacted drivers’ take-home earnings.
The National Competition Commission (NCC), under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said on Friday (September 11) that it was reviewing and verifying complaints related to the pricing and fee policies of Grab Vietnam.
Posts urging Grab drivers in Vietnam to boycott the ride-hailing app for two days—September 12 and 13—have been circulating in multiple social media groups in recent days. Many drivers have said they plan to stop accepting rides over the weekend, claiming Grab takes up to 40-45% of the passenger fare as commission on each ride.
Drivers have complained that fares for some rides have been set at low levels or reduced, while they continue to bear operating costs like vehicle maintenance and fuel.
The drivers have called for greater clarity over how fares are determined and adjusted, the level of fees and commissions charged, other deductions, and how Grab communicates changes to its policies.
In response, the NCC held a meeting with Grab on September 8 and asked the company to provide information and documents related to its fare, fee and commission policies. The regulator has also asked several other ride-hailing platforms operating in Vietnam to submit similar information for comparison and assessment.
The NCC said it is collecting and verifying the information. Based on the findings of its review, the regulator will consider further action, including an investigation, if it identifies signs of violations of competition law.
NCC also called on organisations and individuals, including driver-partners and users, to continue providing information, documents and objective feedback on issues arising from the provision and use of app-based ride-hailing services, particularly those related to pricing, fees, commissions and other deductions.
