App-based cab drivers and delivery workers across India have called for a temporary nationwide strike on Saturday to protest rising fuel prices and what they describe as inadequate payment rates from platform companies.
The Gig and Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU) has urged workers to suspend app-based services between 12 pm and 5 pm, saying increasing petrol and diesel costs are making it difficult for gig workers to sustain their livelihoods despite long working hours.
In a post on social media platform X, the union appealed to drivers and delivery workers nationwide to participate in the shutdown, arguing that earnings have failed to keep pace with rapidly rising operating costs.
The protest follows a fresh fuel price increase of around Rs 3 per litre announced by oil marketing companies. In Delhi, petrol prices have risen to about Rs 97.77 per litre, while diesel now costs around Rs 90.67 per litre.
The increase comes amid global disruptions in energy supplies linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. International crude oil prices have reportedly climbed from around $70 per barrel before the conflict to nearly $105 per barrel, although domestic fuel prices in India had remained largely stable until the latest revision.
Drivers Say Earnings Under Pressure
The impact has been particularly severe for cab drivers and delivery workers who spend most of their day on the road.
In Hyderabad, petrol prices have increased by more than Rs 3.3 per litre to around Rs 110.8 per litre, while diesel prices have risen by over Rs 3.2 per litre to nearly Rs 98.9 per litre.
Drivers say the increase in fuel costs is directly cutting into already limited earnings.
“Every time fuel prices increase, our expenses go up immediately, but customer fares do not increase accordingly,” said Mohammed, a driver associated with an app-based cab service. He added that after deducting platform commissions and fuel expenses, many workers are left with very little income for household needs.
Workers argue that platform companies have not adjusted fares adequately to offset rising fuel costs, forcing many drivers to work longer hours while earning less.
More Fuel Price Hikes Possible
Public sector oil companies announced the latest fuel price revision on Friday, increasing petrol and diesel prices by around Rs 3 per litre across major metro cities. However, piped cooking gas prices remain unchanged.
Industry officials indicated that further fuel price hikes may still be possible depending on government approval and global oil market conditions.
According to estimates by ratings agency Crisil, state-run fuel retailers are currently losing around Rs 10 per litre on petrol and Rs 13 per litre on diesel despite the latest increase.
India’s fuel prices are linked to international crude oil prices and taxation. The cost of crude oil for Indian refiners has reportedly risen by more than 50% since February, climbing from an average of $69 per barrel to over $106 in May.
Fuel prices in India had largely remained unchanged since April 2022, except for a Rs 2 per litre excise duty cut announced by the Centre in March 2024.
Gig workers say Saturday’s strike is intended to draw attention to the growing financial strain faced by app-based drivers and delivery personnel as fuel costs continue to rise while payouts remain stagnant.
