Starting September 18, Bolt is increasing ride fares in Georgia by 12%. The company attributes the decision to rising fuel costs, car maintenance, and other expenses that directly impact partner drivers' incomes. However, the minimum ride cost remains the same.
The increase will affect all service categories operating in Tbilisi, Batumi, and other major cities across the country. Amid rising global oil prices, local gas station chains Gulf, Wissol, Socar, and Connect have raised the cost of gasoline and diesel fuel by 3–20 tetri per liter over the past week. Since August, certain types of fuel have already increased in price by 13–71 tetri.
The increase in transportation costs comes against the backdrop of accelerating inflation. According to the National Statistics Office of Georgia, annual inflation reached 5.6% in August, exceeding the target of 3%, with the transport sector showing a price increase of 15.2%. Personal car operating expenses rose by 20.8%, while importers warn of a possible further increase in fuel prices.