Cabify and Uber will be investigated by the Spanish government for hiking prices by up to 300% during the blackout.
The probe will be led by Ministry of Consumer Affairs after a new law was brought in following last year’s deadly DANA disaster.
It is now illegal for companies to profit from disasters or emergencies by increasing prices when there is a consequential spike in demand.
Breaking the law can bring heavy fines of up to €100,000.
According to SER Catalunya, Cabify increased prices by 300% during the blackout crisis in Barcelona on Monday, Uber by 116% and Bolt by 30%. The spikes were also witnessed in other cities.
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During the national power outage, trains and public transport ceased operating for millions.
It meant people became extra reliant car-hire services like Uber to get around.
The investigation will focus on the eight regions where an emergency was declared by their respective governments.
These include Andalucia, Catalonia and Valencia.
