Indian ride-hailing firm Ola Consumer on Friday said it does not set fares based on a user's phone model, a day after global rival Uber denied allegations of differential pricing for Android and Apple phones.

(Reuters) -An Indian government body has sent notices to ride-hailing firms Ola and Uber over alleged differential pricing for Android and Apple phones, the country's consumer affairs minister, Pralhad Joshi, said in a post on X on Thursday.

Ola Consumer denies allegations of fare discrepancies based on mobile phone type, asserting uniform pricing for all users. The claims arose after the Central Consumer Protection Authority intervened following media reports of pricing disparities between iPhone and Android users.

Cab aggregators Ola and Uber have denied allegations of fare discrimination based on customers' mobile phone models. Both companies have stated that their pricing structures are uniform regardless of the device used.

The denial comes a day after the Centre slapped notices over allegations that Apple users were being charged higher prices for rides of similar distances.

Prahlad Joshi, while replying to a news report about Uber and Ola's differential pricing for iPhone and Android phones, had said there was "zero tolerance for consumer exploitation".

Uber said it does not set ride prices based on a user's phone model, shortly after an Indian government body alleged that the ride-hailing giant and its domestic rival Ola use differential pricing for Android and Apple phones.

Cab-hailing platforms Ola and Uber have responded to the allegations of fare discrepancies based on the type of mobile phone used and have responded firmly denying said allegations on Friday.What Is The Controversy?