Gig Workers Call For Five Hour Shutdown, Demand Relief After Fuel Price Hike

Last Updated:May 15, 2026, 23:18 IST

National Coordinator Nirmal Gorana said gig workers were among the worst-affected sections of India’s unorganised workforce.

The sharp rise in petrol and diesel prices has triggered concern among lakhs of delivery workers and app based drivers, with gig worker unions warning that many may be forced to leave the sector if earnings are not revised soon.

The Gig and Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) on Friday demanded an immediate increase in per kilometre service rates from both the government and major digital platforms after fuel prices were raised by around Rs 3 per litre across the country. The union has also announced a temporary shutdown of app based services from 12 pm to 5 pm tomorrow in protest, according to  areport by NDTV.

The increase marks the first major nationwide fuel price hike in nearly four years. Petrol in Delhi is now priced at around Rs 97.77 per litre, while diesel costs about Rs 90.67 per litre. The rise follows a surge in global crude oil prices amid continuing tensions in the Middle East, particularly around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Recent LPG cylinder price hikes have further added to household expenses.

Delivery Workers Say Costs Becoming Unmanageable

The union said the increase would directly affect nearly 1.2 crore gig and platform workers who depend on motorcycles and scooters for their daily income. Workers associated with companies such as Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, Ola, Uber, Rapido, Porter and Amazon Flex travel long distances every day while covering fuel, servicing and maintenance costs themselves.

GIPSWU President Seema Singh described the latest hike as a “direct blow" to workers already struggling with rising expenses and severe heatwave conditions. She urged both the government and companies to introduce a minimum service rate of Rs 20 per kilometre.

“Delivery workers for Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit and others simply cannot bear this," she said, warning that many workers could leave the sector if immediate relief is not provided.

Gig Workers Face Long Hours And Rising Expenses

National Coordinator Nirmal Gorana said gig workers were among the worst affected sections of India’s unorganised workforce. He pointed out that while fuel prices, vehicle costs and maintenance expenses have increased sharply, payments offered by digital platforms have not risen in proportion.

He added that women gig workers, delivery staff and drivers were facing particularly difficult working conditions, with many spending 10 to 14 hours a day on the road in heavy traffic and extreme weather to earn enough money.

According to NITI Aayog estimates, India had around 77 lakh gig workers in 2020 and 2021, a number expected to cross 2.3 crore by 2029 and 2030.

Union Announces Five Hour Protest Shutdown

The union said it has submitted memorandums to the government and major platforms seeking revised delivery charges, fuel compensation and urgent intervention. It described the planned five hour shutdown as a peaceful protest aimed at highlighting the worsening financial pressure faced by gig workers across the country.

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