Since Saturday night, a large number of drivers with ride-hailing service Uber have gone on strike against fare cuts and increased commission.

This has thrown a wrench in the operations of the online taxi service, which has been running in Qatar since 2014, reported Gulf Times.

It is understood that the US-based company had fixed its commission at 20% when local petrol prices were less than QR0.90/ltr. But with petrol prices currently hovering around the QR1.55 to QR1.65 mark, drivers are finding it increasingly difficult to stay afloat.

“With the increased petrol prices, it’s virtually impossible to run at the rates fixed by Uber,” said a protesting driver.

It is not helping that amid increasing competition, Uber cut its fare from QR1.80/km to QR1.50 and now QR1.20. It is also rumoured that Uber has increased it commission to 25%.

Adding to the drivers’ chagrin is a new ‘upfront’ feature, which allows passengers to see the final fare before the journey.

Drivers say Uber’s commission in Qatar is too high, when compared to the 9% to 17% it charges around the world.

The drivers had gone on strike for five days in April, 2016, but say the issues were not sorted out.

The drivers’ representatives said that at least 85% of their members have been keeping off the road, leading to prices skyrocketing.

Most of the drivers have taken the cars on rent and pay a hefty fee every month. They also resent the company's inability to sort out cases where customers refuse to pay fares after the completion of the trip.

Meanwhile, Uber’s communication department in the GCC announced they were willing to hold talks with the striking Uber drivers, reported Al Arabiya.

“Uber is committed to dialogue with partner drivers and our priority is to always improve their experience,” the company said in a statement.

“We’re very proud of the high quality service they offer to riders who want to get around Doha with a safe efficient and affordable ride. Thousands of partners driving with Uber in Doha are satisfied and can rely on a dedicated partner support center located in the city with experts committed to answer their questions, share advice to improve their profitability and support any concern or problem they might encounter,” the statement added.