Delivery Services Likely To Be Hit As Gig Workers Plan Five-Hour Nationwide Strike
New Delhi: Online food and grocery delivery services may witness disruptions on Saturday after the Gig and Platform Service Workers Union announced another coordinated app shutdown protest against the recent hike in petrol and diesel prices.
The union has called for delivery partners and ride-based gig workers to remain offline from 12 PM to 5 PM, warning that rising fuel expenses are severely affecting their earnings and pushing many workers into financial distress.
Services linked to major digital delivery platforms including Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit and Zepto are expected to face interruptions during the protest period in several cities.
Union Demands Higher Per-Kilometre Payments
The protest comes days after fuel prices increased by nearly Rs 3 per litre across the country, adding pressure on lakhs of workers dependent on motorcycles and scooters for daily deliveries.
The union has demanded an immediate revision in per-kilometre compensation rates from both app-based companies and government authorities, arguing that current payouts are no longer sustainable due to rising operational costs.
According to worker representatives, increasing fuel expenses, vehicle maintenance costs and inflation have sharply reduced take-home income for delivery workers and drivers.
Fuel Hike Called ‘Direct Blow’ To Workers
Union president Seema Singh described the fuel price rise as a “direct blow” to gig workers already dealing with long working hours, extreme summer temperatures and increasing financial pressure.
The organisation claimed that many workers are now forced to spend a larger portion of their daily earnings on petrol and vehicle upkeep, leaving them with reduced savings despite working extended shifts.
The union also warned that a continued rise in fuel costs without corresponding wage adjustments could force many workers to leave the gig economy sector altogether.
Women Workers Among Worst Affected
The workers’ body said women delivery workers and app-based drivers are among those facing the toughest conditions, especially while working in congested urban areas during peak summer heat.
According to the union, several gig workers continue to work between 10 and 14 hours daily in order to maintain basic earnings targets despite increasing operational expenses.
The organisation estimates that nearly 1.2 crore gig and platform workers across India could be impacted by the recent rise in fuel prices.
Memorandums Submitted To Government And Platforms
The union stated that it has already submitted memorandums to digital platforms and government authorities demanding fuel compensation support, revised incentive structures and improved service rates.
Officials from the workers’ body said the app shutdown is intended as a peaceful demonstration aimed at drawing national attention to the growing economic strain faced by delivery personnel and platform workers.
Meanwhile, fuel prices in Delhi have reportedly climbed to nearly Rs 97.77 per litre for petrol and Rs 90.67 per litre for diesel following the latest revision linked to rising global crude oil prices and tensions in the Middle East.
