Delivery workers associated with major app-based platforms including Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, and Zepto have announced a nationwide protest and temporary shutdown against the recent petrol and diesel price hike across India.
The Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has called for a five-hour strike from 12 PM to 5 PM, warning that rising fuel prices are severely affecting the earnings of delivery workers, drivers, and gig workers who depend on motorcycles and scooters for daily work.
According to the union, the recent ₹3 per litre hike in petrol and diesel prices has drastically reduced workers’ savings because companies have not increased delivery payouts or per-kilometre compensation in proportion to fuel costs.
One of the main demands raised by the workers is the implementation of a minimum ₹20 per kilometre service rate for delivery and ride-hailing workers. The union said current payment structures are no longer sustainable due to rising fuel costs, vehicle maintenance expenses, inflation, and extreme weather conditions.
Union leaders also claimed that nearly 1.2 crore gig and platform workers across India could be affected by the fuel price hike. These include workers involved in food delivery, grocery delivery, logistics, bike taxi services, and cab platforms.
Reports suggest delivery services in several cities may witness delays or disruptions during the protest hours as many workers plan to log out from the apps temporarily.
The workers have also urged the government to intervene and issue guidelines to app-based companies to revise payment structures whenever fuel prices rise. The union argued that the entire burden of inflation and fuel costs is currently falling on gig workers rather than the platforms.
The protest comes shortly after India witnessed a nationwide fuel price hike amid rising crude oil prices linked to the ongoing West Asia conflict. Analysts say higher fuel prices are expected to impact transportation, delivery charges, ride-hailing fares, and the overall cost of daily essentials.
This is not the first large-scale protest by gig workers in India. Delivery workers and platform unions had earlier organised protests during New Year celebrations over low payouts, weak job security, and rising operational expenses.
Industry observers believe the latest protest highlights the growing tension within India’s gig economy, where workers increasingly demand fair compensation, social security protections, and more stable earnings amid rising living costs.
