Ride-hailing firm Ola Consumer on Friday does not adjust prices based on the operating system of the user’s mobile device. Its global rival Uber had on Thursday denied similar allegations of differential pricing for Android and Apple Phones.

Ola Consumer’s statement was issued in response to the consumer’s claim that booking identical rides on Android and iOS devices resulted in different fares.

The clarification is intended to address concerns about price transparency, particularly after reports of perceived discrepancies in ride fares between Android and iOS users. Dynamic pricing, a key feature of ride-hailing services, adapts fares in real time based on factors such as peak times, route conditions and vehicle availability.

On January 23, notices were issued by the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) to ride-hailing services Ola and Uber over allegations of differential pricing based on the type of mobile phone used to book rides. This action was brought by complaints from consumers who reported seeing different prices for the same rides depending on whether they were booking using an iPhone or an Android device.

Union Minister for Consumer Affairs Pralhad Joshi announced on X via social media that consultations have been initiated to address concerns of possible differential pricing practices by these major aggregators of cabins

The CCPA notices were issued after Minister Joshi issued a warning to businesses last month about the ministry’s zero-tolerance policy towards practices that exploit consumers.

The minister expressed concern about possible unfair trade practices, specifically mentioning CAB aggregators using differential pricing based on various factors. These practices, if confirmed, would be a violation of consumers’ rights to transparency and fair pricing, as stated in a site on X.

“This, prima facie, appears to be an unfair trade practice where cab aggregators are said to be using differential pricing based on the factors mentioned in the article below. If so, this is blatant disregard for consumer rights,” he said. said In a post about X.

In response to a social media post, Uber explained that differences in pick-up points, estimated arrival time and drop-off locations may result in variations in ride prices. The company assured that travel prices are not customized based on the mobile phone manufacturer.