India’s gig economy workers are facing fresh financial pressure after petrol and diesel prices rose by about ₹3 per litre, marking the first major fuel increase in nearly four years. The Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has called for higher per-kilometre earnings and announced a five-hour shutdown of app-based services tomorrow from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM in protest.
The union says the hike will heavily affect nearly 1.2 crore gig workers who rely on two-wheelers for daily deliveries and ride services. In Delhi, petrol now costs around ₹97.77 per litre and diesel about ₹90.67 per litre, with global crude price pressures and tensions in the Middle East cited as key drivers.
Workers Demand Higher Pay
GIPSWU President Seema Singh called the fuel increase a direct hit on workers already struggling with inflation and long working hours. She said delivery workers across platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, Ola, Uber and Rapido are finding it increasingly difficult to cover basic costs.
The union has demanded a minimum pay rate of ₹20 per kilometre, arguing that earnings have not kept pace with rising fuel and maintenance expenses.
Impact on Gig Economy
Union representatives say many workers may be pushed out of the sector if income does not rise in line with costs. They also highlighted that women workers and full-time delivery personnel are among the most affected, often working 10 to 14 hours a day under difficult conditions.
According to estimates, India’s gig workforce is already in the millions and is expected to grow sharply in the coming years, even as cost pressures increase.
Planned Shutdown
GIPSWU has submitted formal representations to both the government and major platform companies, demanding revised pay structures and fuel compensation. The upcoming shutdown is described as a peaceful protest aimed at highlighting what workers call a growing livelihood crisis in the gig economy.
