Grab users in Singapore experienced a shocking fare surge on August 20, when the ride-hailing app temporarily displayed prices skyrocketing by dozens of times, reaching more than S$1,500 for trips that normally cost just a few dollars.
According to local reports, the surge occurred between 11:45am and 12:15pm, with complaints peaking at 67 reported issues on monitoring site Downdetector. By 12:22pm, the number of complaints had fallen dramatically to just two, indicating that the problem lasted only a short period.
Examples of the Price Hike

Journalists testing the app around noon found alarming fare estimates. A standard four-seater ride from Mediacorp’s headquarters at One North to the 9km-away Singapore Sports Hub showed a quoted fare of S$1,516.80. Another trip from the same location to another 9km destination briefly showed a fare of S$1,011.80. Within about 10 to 15 minutes, these fares returned to normal rates of S$16–S$17.
The sudden surge left many users stunned, with social media posts sharing screenshots of the inflated fares. Some commented that the temporary “sky-high” rates were even more expensive than air tickets for similar distances.
Unclear Cause, Regional Impact
It remains unclear whether the spike was caused by a technical glitch, a malfunction in Grab’s dynamic pricing algorithm, or another system error. Reports indicate that similar anomalies were also observed in Grab apps in Thailand and Malaysia, suggesting a broader regional issue.
Grab has been contacted for comment but has yet to issue an official explanation. Users are advised to monitor the app and avoid booking rides during reported system glitches to prevent unexpected charges.
User Reactions
The incident sparked frustration and amusement among riders, with many questioning how such a brief surge could occur without triggering automatic safeguards. While the fares quickly returned to normal, the incident highlights the vulnerabilities of algorithm-based pricing and the importance of real-time monitoring to prevent customer shock and complaints.