CCPA issues notices to Ola, Uber for alleged unfair pricing practices: Joshi

Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi on Thursday said the Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to cab aggregators Ola and Uber for alleged differential pricing for identical rides based on the user's mobile operating system—Android or iOS.

"As a follow-up to the earlier observation of apparent #DifferentialPricing based on the different models of mobiles (#iPhones/ #Android) being used, Department of Consumer Affairs through the CCPA has issued notices to major cab aggregators #Ola and #Uber, seeking their responses," Joshi said in a social media post.

Last month, Joshi had emphasised "zero tolerance for consumer exploitation" and asked CCPA to conduct a thorough enquiry into these allegations. He had described this practice as a "prima facie unfair trade practice" and a "blatant disregard" for consumers' right to transparency.

In December, Ola Electric notified stock exchanges that it has received another show cause notice from the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) amidst mounting consumer complaints. The consumer watchdog has sought additional documents and information concerning the EV maker’s response on October 22.

CCPA had issued a show cause notice to Ola Electric in early October seeking details of alleged violations of consumer rights, misleading advertisements, and unfair trade practices.

(With additional inputs from YourStory)