Bolt Offers €25 Fuel Vouchers to TVDE Drivers in Portugal During Rising Gas Prices

Bolt Portugal, one of the country's leading ride-hailing platforms, has rolled out a targeted fuel subsidy program for its TVDE drivers, offering €25 vouchers to those who complete at least 250 kilometers between April 2 and April 5. The move comes as petrol and diesel prices continue to climb amid geopolitical instability in the Middle East, squeezing operational margins for Portugal's ride-hailing drivers.

Why This Matters

• €25 fuel vouchers will be distributed automatically via the Bolt Driver app to qualifying drivers—no paperwork required.

• Priority allocation goes to drivers completing the most trips during the eligibility window, not just distance traveled.

• The subsidy stacks with an existing €0.15-per-liter discount through Bolt's partnership with the Ryd mobile payment app, creating year-round savings.

• This represents a private-sector response to fuel cost pressures in Portugal's TVDE sector during a period of elevated energy prices.

How the Program Works

Drivers who meet the 250-kilometer threshold will receive a promotional code automatically pushed to their Bolt Driver account. The code unlocks a €25 balance in the Ryd app, a digital fueling platform that allows contactless payment at participating gas stations across Portugal. At the pump, the discount is applied instantly at checkout—no cash handling, no reimbursement forms.

The qualifying period runs from today through Saturday, April 5, meaning drivers have a narrow window to accumulate the necessary mileage. Bolt confirmed that vouchers will be distributed on a tiered basis, with the heaviest users of the platform receiving priority. The company did not specify how many vouchers are available or what percentage of the driver pool will qualify.

Mário de Morais, Bolt Portugal's General Manager, framed the initiative as part of the company's broader effort to address driver retention and operational costs. "We are actively seeking ways to better support the people who work with us," he said in a statement. "This initiative is another step in that direction."

Government Fuel Relief Measures

Bolt's subsidy arrives following Portugal's Council of Ministers approval of a €150M-per-month fuel support package in response to surging oil prices linked to Middle East developments. The state aid includes:

• Continued suspension of the ISP (Imposto sobre os Produtos Petrolíferos), Portugal's fuel excise tax, in effect since March 9.

• A three-month extension of subsidies for professional diesel used by freight truckers.

• Emergency support for agriculture, forestry, fishing, and aquaculture sectors.

• Direct payments to volunteer firefighter associations and taxi cooperatives.

• A one-time subsidy to IPSS (Instituições Particulares de Solidariedade Social), Portugal's network of nonprofit social service providers.

Prime Minister Luís Montenegro defended the spending, arguing that Portugal's improved fiscal balance—thanks to stronger-than-expected tax revenues in 2025—allows the government to absorb the cost without jeopardizing budget targets. "The financial equilibrium that has guided our policy gives us better conditions to face adversity," he said.

Eligibility and Driver Impact

TVDE drivers should note that the voucher is not automatic for all active users. Eligibility hinges on completing 250 kilometers specifically on Bolt trips—off-platform driving or trips completed on competing apps do not count. Given the timeframe, drivers will need to complete substantial mileage to qualify.

The program does not include rest mandates, but Bolt's statement encourages drivers to "organize their schedules and take regular breaks."

EV Transition in Portugal's TVDE Fleet

Bolt emphasized that the initiative also aligns with Portugal's accelerating shift toward electric vehicles. According to the company, 43% of Bolt's TVDE fleet in Portugal is now electric, one of the highest rates in Europe. This transition, driven in part by favorable EV incentives and Lisbon's expanding charging infrastructure, insulates a growing share of drivers from fossil fuel price volatility. However, many of Portugal's TVDE drivers still operate combustion-engine vehicles, particularly in smaller cities and rural areas where charging networks remain sparse.