Uber uses surge pricing to match rider demand with driver supply during high demand periods. The government of Karnataka set a price ceiling limiting Uber's surge pricing to a maximum of 5 times the normal fare. This price ceiling benefits riders by limiting how much surge pricing can increase fares. However, it also risks increasing wait times for riders if driver supply does not rise to meet demand. As an oligopoly, Uber and other ride-sharing services differentiate themselves through pricing strategies like surge pricing, though economic profits only persist long-term.