(Sept 12): Vietnam’s competition regulator is reviewing Grab Holdings Ltd’s pricing, fees and commission policies after its drivers called for a weekend work stoppage over concerns that lower fares, deductions and the company’s commission are significantly cutting into their income.

The National Competition Commission under the Ministry of Industry and Trade has directed Grab to provide information and documents on how it sets customer fares, commission rates, fees and deductions applicable to drivers, according to a statement on its website on Friday. The regulator is also seeking similar information from other ride-hailing platforms in Vietnam.

Grab Vietnam did not immediately respond to a request for comments.

“Our priority is to maintain reliable service for our users and safeguard the livelihoods of our driver-partners,” Grab Vietnam said in an earlier statement. “We are working to ensure stable service operations and are engaging with our driver community to listen to concerns and clear up any misinformation.”

Vietnam government’s scrutiny follows a review by Indonesia. Grab, along with GoTo Group, agreed to cut their fare commissions for two-wheeled ride-hailing services to 8% from 20% effective July 1 after the government introduced a cap aimed at improving drivers’ earnings.

Vietnamese drivers for Grab are calling on fellow independent contractors to engage in a work stoppage this weekend to protest the ride-hailing company’s commission rate, which they say is excessive and threatens their ability to earn a living wage.

The dispute highlights the increasingly important role ride-hailing platforms play in Vietnam’s urban transport market, where thousands of drivers rely on the services for a living. Vietnam has around 800,000 ride-hailing drivers who earn about nine million dong (US$347 or RM1,414) per month after expenses and working eight to 13 hours a day, according to state media. 

The regulator said it could launch an investigation or take action if it finds signs of competition law violations, according to the statement. It urged other ride-hailing platforms to review and disclose their pricing, fee and commission policies to improve transparency and balance the interests of companies, drivers and consumers.

Uploaded by Tham Yek Lee