Gig Workers To Strike Today As Fuel Cost Hike Hits Zomato-Swiggy Deliveries

India’s gig workers are staring at a fresh financial crisis after petrol and diesel prices were increased by around Rs 3 per litre, the first major nationwide fuel hike in nearly four years. The Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has demanded an immediate rise in per-kilometre service rates and announced a five-hour shutdown of app-based services tomorrow from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM in protest.The union warned that the increase in fuel prices will severely impact nearly 1.2 crore gig workers who depend on motorcycles and scooters for their daily income. Petrol in Delhi now costs around Rs 97.77 per litre while diesel is priced at Rs 90.67 per litre. Rising international crude oil prices and tensions in the Middle East, particularly around Iran

and the Strait of Hormuz, are being cited as the key reasons behind the hike.

Gig Workers' Strike Today: Demand Higher Per-Kilometre Rates

GIPSWU President Seema Singh called the fuel hike a “direct blow” to workers already struggling with inflation and extreme summer heat."Delivery workers for Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit and others simply cannot bear this," she said, urging the government and digital platforms to fix a minimum service rate of Rs 20 per kilometre.The union warned that many workers may be forced to leave the sector if earnings do not rise in proportion to fuel and maintenance costs. According to GIPSWU, women gig workers, delivery personnel and drivers are among the worst affected as many work for 10 to 14 hours daily in harsh weather and heavy traffic.Workers associated with platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, Ola, Uber and Rapido are expected to participate in the protest.

Gig Economy Set To Expand Despite Rising Challenges

National Coordinator Nirmal Gorana, as per a report by NDTV, said gig workers remain among the most vulnerable sections of India’s unorganised workforce. He pointed out that despite rising operational expenses, companies have not proportionately revised delivery charges or incentives.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.GIPSWU has submitted memorandums to the government and major platforms demanding revised delivery rates and fuel compensation. The union described tomorrow’s shutdown as a peaceful protest aimed at drawing attention to the growing livelihood crisis faced by gig and platform workers across the country.