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New Delhi: India’s growing gig economy witnessed major disruption on Friday as thousands of app-based delivery workers and cab drivers joined a nationwide strike against rising fuel prices and low earnings. Workers associated with companies like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Uber, Ola and Rapido temporarily suspended services in several cities during a five-hour shutdown. The protest highlighted the growing pressure on gig workers who say their daily earnings are shrinking because of continuously increasing fuel prices and rising living costs.
The strike was organised by gig worker unions demanding better payouts, fuel compensation, and minimum earnings per kilometre. According to worker groups, the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices has made it extremely difficult for delivery partners and drivers to maintain stable incomes. Many workers claim that a large portion of their daily earnings now goes directly into fuel expenses, vehicle maintenance, mobile recharge costs, and servicing.
Gig workers are demanding a minimum payment of ₹20 per kilometre along with fair incentives and better working conditions. Union representatives say platform companies have reduced incentive structures over the past few years while workloads and expenses have continued to rise. Workers also raised concerns over long working hours, harsh weather conditions, and the lack of social security benefits.
The impact of the strike was visible across major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Surat. Many users experienced delays in food deliveries, cab bookings, grocery orders, and bike taxi services. Customers reported fewer available drivers on ride-hailing apps and significantly longer waiting times during peak hours.
India’s gig economy has expanded rapidly in recent years, especially after the pandemic accelerated demand for online deliveries and app-based transportation. Industry estimates suggest that India currently has more than one crore platform workers, and this number could cross two crore by 2030. However, despite the sector’s massive growth, many workers still do not receive benefits such as health insurance, fixed salaries, paid leave, or fuel allowances.
Fuel prices remain one of the biggest concerns for workers who depend entirely on two-wheelers and cars for their income. In several cities, petrol prices are nearing ₹100 per litre, while diesel and CNG rates have also increased. For delivery executives completing multiple trips daily, even a small increase in fuel rates directly affects take-home earnings.
Workers say that app algorithms often push them to complete more orders in less time, but actual payouts per order have reduced compared to previous years. Many delivery agents claim they are forced to work 10 to 12 hours daily just to earn enough for basic expenses. Cab drivers have also complained that commission charges and platform cuts reduce their profits further.
Experts believe the protest reflects a larger debate around the future of India’s gig economy. While app-based platforms have created flexible job opportunities for millions, labour groups argue that gig workers are still treated as independent contractors rather than employees. Because of this classification, many workers do not receive traditional employee protections or financial security.
Economists also warn that rising fuel prices could eventually affect consumers as well. Higher transportation and delivery costs may increase prices of groceries, restaurant deliveries, cab fares, and logistics services. Businesses that rely heavily on delivery networks could also face operational pressure if fuel rates continue to rise.
The current fuel hike is linked to rising global crude oil prices and international geopolitical tensions affecting oil supply chains. As global energy markets remain unstable, transportation-based industries are expected to face further challenges in the coming months.
This is not the first time gig workers in India have organised protests. Over the past few years, drivers and delivery partners have repeatedly raised concerns about falling incentives, unpredictable earnings, and lack of transparency in app-based systems. Similar protests have taken place earlier in cities like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai where workers demanded better fare structures and improved incentives.
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