Grab Faces Regulatory Probe in Vietnam Over Pricing as Drivers Plan Strike

Vietnam's competition regulator has launched an investigation into the pricing, fees, and commission policies of Grab Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRAB). The probe comes as many of the platform's drivers are calling for a work stoppage this weekend to protest what they describe as unsustainable earnings.

Regulatory Scrutiny

According to a statement posted on its official website, Vietnam's National Competition Commission, part of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, requested information from Grab last Friday. The agency is seeking documents detailing how the company determines passenger fares, sets its commission rates, and applies other fees and deductions to its drivers.

The commission noted that it has sent similar requests for information to other ride-hailing platforms operating in the country.

Driver Discontent

The regulatory inquiry coincides with calls from Grab drivers in Vietnam for a strike this weekend. The drivers, who operate as independent contractors, are urging their peers to stop accepting rides to protest the company's high commission rates.

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Drivers have stated that the current fee structure, combined with low fares and various deductions, is severely impacting their ability to earn a living wage.

Regional Precedent

This development in Vietnam follows a recent regulatory intervention in Indonesia. There, Grab and its competitor GoTo Group agreed to lower their commission rates for two-wheeled ride-hailing services from 20% to 8%.

That reduction, which took effect on July 1, was the result of a government-imposed commission cap designed to boost driver income. The move in Indonesia predates the start of Vietnam's investigation by more than two months, highlighting a growing trend of regulatory oversight for ride-hailing platforms in the region.