Vietnam's competition authority asks Grab, other ride-hailing firms to provide pricing, fee info

The commission said it had received complaints and petitions from driver partners of Grab Co., Ltd. concerning fares charged to customers as well as fees, commissions and deductions applied to drivers using the Grab app.

According to the complaints, fares for some rides were considered low or had tended to decline, while drivers had to bear input costs as well as fees, commissions and other deductions imposed by Grab, affecting the amounts they actually received.

The drivers also asked for clarification on how fares, fees, commissions and deductions are determined and adjusted, as well as how related policies are announced and changed, according to the commission.

To clarify the complaints, the commission invited Grab to a working session and requested information and documents related to the company’s fare, fee, commission and deduction policies for customers and driver partners.

The competition authority also asked several other companies providing app-based ride-hailing services in Vietnam to submit information and documents on their pricing and fee policies for passengers and drivers to support its review.

The commission said it was also taking other measures to collect and verify additional information about the matter.

Based on the review, verification and information and documents provided by the parties concerned, the competition authority will continue assessing the case.

If signs of violations of competition law are found, the commission will conduct an investigation and take action within its authority and in accordance with the law.

The commission also asked companies providing technology platforms that connect ride-hailing services to proactively review their pricing, fee, commission and deduction policies to ensure compliance with competition regulations.

Such a review will help ensure transparency and balance the interests of platform providers, driver partners and consumers, contributing to a healthy and stable competitive environment and protecting the lawful rights and interests of the parties concerned, the commission said.

The authority called on organizations and individuals, including drivers and service users, to continue providing objective information, documents and feedback on issues arising during the provision and use of app-based ride-hailing services, particularly those involving pricing, fees, commissions and deductions.

Such information, documents and feedback are necessary for the authority to monitor and assess competition in the market and protect consumers' lawful rights and interests, said the commission.