Gig Workers Protest Fuel Price Hike with Nationwide Strike

In response to a significant increase in fuel prices, gig workers across the nation are staging a five-hour strike, affecting delivery services from major platforms like Swiggy and Zomato. The Gig and Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) demands an immediate raise in service rates to combat the financial strain caused by rising fuel costs. With petrol prices soaring, the union warns that many workers may be forced to leave the industry if their earnings do not keep pace with expenses. This protest aims to highlight the growing livelihood crisis faced by gig workers in the country.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 16, 2026, 10:40 IST

Challenges Faced by Online Food and Grocery Delivery Consumers

Consumers ordering food and groceries online across the country may encounter significant difficulties today. In response to the sudden rise in petrol and diesel prices, the Gig and Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has called for a symbolic five-hour strike. During this strike, delivery partners will take their apps offline from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, potentially halting services from major app-based companies like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, and Zepto.

Demands of Employees from Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, and Zepto

Following an increase of nearly 3 rupees per liter in fuel prices nationwide on Friday, GIPSWU has urged both the government and major digital platforms to immediately raise service rates per kilometer. The union highlighted that the rising fuel costs are pushing them further into financial distress. For thousands of delivery partners and drivers, the escalating fuel prices mean higher expenses on the road while their take-home pay decreases.

Impact of Fuel Price Hike on Gig Workers

GIPSWU has warned that the increase in fuel prices will adversely affect approximately 12 million gig workers who rely on motorcycles and scooters for their daily earnings. Following the price hike, petrol in Delhi is now priced at around 97.77 rupees per liter, while diesel costs 90.67 rupees per liter. This surge is attributed to rising international crude oil prices and ongoing tensions in the Middle East.

GIPSWU's Stance on Fuel Price Increase

Seema Singh, the president of GIPSWU, described the fuel price hike as a "direct attack" on workers already struggling with inflation and the intense summer heat. The union cautioned that if their earnings do not increase in proportion to the rising costs of fuel and maintenance, many workers may be forced to leave the sector. GIPSWU noted that female gig workers, delivery staff, and drivers are among the most affected, with many working 10 to 14 hours daily amid adverse weather and heavy traffic. Furthermore, GIPSWU has submitted a memorandum to the government and major digital platforms requesting adjustments to delivery rates and compensation for fuel costs. They characterized today's strike as a peaceful protest aimed at drawing attention to the growing livelihood crisis faced by gig and platform workers nationwide.