NAIROBI, Kenya, October 12 – Ride-hailing firm, Bolt has inked a deal with Rubis Energy Kenya that will provide its drivers four shillings discounted prices on fuel commodities in order to cushion them from escalating fuel prices.
Under the deal, drivers operating on the Bolt platform will be given a prepaid Rubis card that will apply on fuel purchases made at Rubis, Kenol, Kobil, and Gulf Energy Stations countrywide.
Kenneth Micah, Regional Manager, Bolt East Africa said the firm made the decision owing to the rising cost of doing business occasioned by increased fuel prices which affect their overall earnings.
In its latest review, Energy Petroleum and Regulatory Authority (EPRA) announced the pump prices for super petrol, diesel and kerosene would increase by Sh7.58, Sh7.94, and Sh12.97 per litre respectively in Nairobi.
“Our analysis shows that a primary car driver already spends Shs 34,000 on fuel per month, forming a substantial portion of their monthly earnings. We believe that this collaboration with RUBiS Energy Kenya will make it possible for drivers to access clean fuel at an affordable price, thereby improving their take-home earnings.” Said.
Jean-Christian Bergeron, Group CEO and Managing Director Rubis Energy East Africa said the initiative will bring convenience and value to its customers, with the promise of improving livelihoods.
“With this, we are proud to partner with Bolt to offer drivers convenience, value, and a world-class experience with the RUBiS Card at our retail service stations,” Bergeron said.
Bolt drivers will access the Rubis cards on the platform at Shs 350 with fuel subsidies of about 5 litres worth of fuel given to its top 1,000 drivers.
“Bolt and RUBiS Energy Kenya will continue to evaluate additional ways to reduce driver operational expenses for more significant benefits of plying their trade on the Bolt platform,” the firms said.
The RUBiS Card is a fuel management system that gives motorists total control of their fuel-related expenses and convenience as it transacts on a real-time settlement platform. It is based on smart card technology and offers practicality and efficiency when making payments at the station.