• Source:JND

Petrol, Diesel Price Hike: A day after petrol and diesel prices were hiked by Rs 3 per litre each on Friday, the first major nationwide fuel price increase in nearly four years, now India’s gig workers say the increase is pushing them deeper into financial stress. For thousands of delivery partners and drivers, rising fuel costs now mean spending more on the road while taking home less at the end of the day.

In response, the Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has demanded an immediate increase in per-kilometre service rates and announced a five-hour shutdown of app-based services today from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM in protest.

The union warned that the fuel price hike would severely impact nearly 1.2 crore gig workers who rely on motorcycles and scooters for their daily income. Following the hike, petrol in Delhi is now priced at around Rs 97.77 per litre, while diesel costs Rs 90.67 per litre. The increase comes amid rising international crude oil prices and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

GIPSWU President Seema Singh described the fuel hike as a “direct blow” to workers who are already struggling with inflation and extreme summer heat.

"Delivery workers for Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit and others simply cannot bear this," she told NDTV, urging the government and digital platforms to fix a minimum service rate of Rs 20 per kilometre.

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The union also warned that many workers could be forced to leave the sector if their earnings do not increase in proportion to rising fuel and maintenance costs. According to GIPSWU, women gig workers, delivery personnel and drivers are among the worst affected, with many working 10 to 14 hours daily in harsh weather conditions and heavy traffic.

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GIPSWU has submitted memorandums to the government and major digital platforms demanding revised delivery rates and fuel compensation. The union described today’s shutdown as a peaceful protest aimed at drawing attention to the growing livelihood crisis faced by gig and platform workers across the country.

According to estimates by NITI Aayog, India’s gig workforce stood at 77 lakh in 2020-21 and is projected to cross 2.3 crore by 2029-30.


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