No rides, no deliveries? Gig workers plan massive protest over fuel costs

India’s app-based drivers and delivery workers are planning a temporary nationwide shutdown on Saturday as rising fuel prices deepen pressure on already strained daily earnings.

The protest call has been given by the Gig and Platform Services Workers Union, which has appealed to gig workers across the country to stop app-based services between 12 PM and 5 PM.

The union said the protest is aimed at highlighting how increasing petrol and diesel prices, combined with low payout structures from platform companies, are making it difficult for workers to sustain their livelihoods.

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In a post shared on X, the union wrote, “GIPSWU appeals to gig & platform workers across India to observe a temporary shutdown of app-based services tomorrow from 12 pm to 5 pm in protest against rising fuel prices and inadequate payment rates.”

Fuel hike hits drivers already struggling with shrinking margins

This is based on the decision to increase the price of petrol and diesel by oil marketing companies recently. In New Delhi, for instance, the price of petrol increased to almost Rs 97.77 per liter while that of diesel increased to about Rs 90.67 per liter. In Hyderabad, the increase was even more dramatic, with the price of petrol rising above Rs 110 per liter while that of diesel approaching Rs 99 per liter.

For many delivery riders and cab drivers using applications such as Uber and Ola Cab, the cost of fuel is among their most significant operational costs.

Many workers argue that while fuel expenses rise instantly, platform commissions and fare structures remain largely unchanged, leaving drivers to absorb the financial shock.

Global oil disruptions now hitting daily commuters and workers

The latest fuel price hike comes amid rising global crude oil prices linked to disruptions in energy supply routes following tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. Global crude prices reportedly climbed from around $70 per barrel before the conflict to nearly $105 per barrel in recent weeks.

Despite Friday’s revision, reports suggest state-run oil retailers are still facing under-recoveries due to the steep rise in international crude prices.

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Industry estimates cited by Crisil indicate losses of around Rs 10 per litre on petrol and Rs 13 per litre on diesel for fuel retailers.

Gig economy pressure becoming a bigger issue

This planned strike is an expression of mounting frustration among the burgeoning population of gig economy workers in India, particularly those who depend on their work on a daily basis.

Drivers have mentioned that this problem is not only about the cost of fuel but also about the absence of regular income, maintenance costs, and high commission fees from platforms.

In case there is good participation in this strike on Saturday, commuters in many cities may face a disruption in taxi services and food deliveries in the afternoons.