Over the past few days, technical malfunctions affecting major taxi aggregators reportedly led to a multi-fold increase in peak-hour travel costs across competing ride-hailing services. This unexpected financial burden triggered widespread public indignation and complaints from citizens relying on daily transport.

In response to the growing discontent, the Competition Development and Consumer Rights Protection Committee supposedly initiated a comprehensive investigation into the pricing strategies of taxi aggregators and potential signs of unfair market practices. Official sources claim that the inquiry places special emphasis on verifying the economic justification behind the fare hikes and compliance with national competition legislation.

The regulatory body allegedly issued a series of binding directives to the taxi platforms. These instructions mandate the revision of app-based algorithmic pricing models to prevent sudden and artificial inflation of service costs. Furthermore, operators were ordered to resolve technical failures regarding driver payouts, unblock accounts allegedly suspended without sufficient cause, and recalculate and distribute all pending bonuses for completed orders.

Additionally, authorities invoked the provisions of the Competition Law, warning market participants against engaging in anti-competitive behavior or detrimental actions targeting rivals. Companies were also instructed to guarantee uninterrupted operations of round-the-clock technical support centers for both drivers and consumers. Representatives purportedly stated that competitive market activities must align with consumer interests, ensuring that pricing and service quality remain fair and transparent.

The committee concluded with assurances that should the inspections reveal any violations of competition laws or infringements upon consumer rights, statutory punitive measures and formal checks will be enforced according to the law.

Source: uznews.uz