Rising fuel prices triggered by ongoing conflict in the Middle East have led to a significant uptick in global carpooling, according to the world’s largest carpooling platform, BlaBlaCar. The company reported an influx of 600,000 new drivers this year—20 percent more than initially anticipated—as commuters seek more affordable travel options amid soaring energy costs.
India, which emerged as BlaBlaCar’s largest market with over 20 million users in 2025, has seen a 40 percent increase in passengers since the start of US-Israeli airstrikes against Iran on February 28. The country’s dependency on imported crude oil via the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime chokepoint effectively closed by Tehran in retaliation to these strikes, has intensified the fuel price surge. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens in early May to conserve fuel by increasing the use of carpooling and public transport, aligning with observable user growth on the platform.
BlaBlaCar’s product director, Benjamin Retourne, highlighted the platform’s rapid expansion in India. Although it was launched there a decade ago, initial adoption was slow, prompting the company to pause investments in the market while continuing to operate from its Paris headquarters. Growth accelerated following the COVID-19 pandemic, driven by India’s expanding digital infrastructure, economic recovery, and urbanization—adding approximately 200 million city dwellers over the past ten years. Retourne attributed the recent surge not only to fuel savings but also to passengers’ preference for comfort and convenience. “The number one reason people choose carpooling is not price, but comfort,” he said, noting that many users aim to avoid crowded public buses and trains.
The surge in demand has been especially notable in countries like France, where fuel costs have increased sharply due to the war and where governmental support has been limited. BlaBlaCar operates in 21 countries and takes a 20 percent commission on most rides, connecting drivers and passengers traveling between cities to share costs.
Despite the growth, there are challenges. Some users report frequent last-minute ride cancellations or difficulties in contacting drivers. In India, BlaBlaCar has yet to monetize its carpooling services directly, as payments typically occur peer-to-peer through popular digital platforms like Unified Payments Interface (UPI). The company is now aiming to evolve its business model to integrate multiple modes of transportation, linking carpooling with buses and trains to create a more comprehensive travel network.
Users like 24-year-old assistant bank manager Pratyush Anuraj from Mumbai have embraced carpooling for weekend trips to Pune, describing it as cheaper and faster than trains, buses, or taxis, despite occasional inconveniences. The rising energy costs and shifting travel preferences suggest that carpooling platforms like BlaBlaCar may continue to play a growing role in global transportation landscapes.