With inflation continuing to erode earnings and no comprehensive central legislation safeguarding gig workers’ rights, the latest fuel price hike is expected to severely impact nearly 1.2 crore gig workers across India.
The Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has urged both the Centre and major app-based companies to immediately revise per-kilometre service charges, warning that the sharp increase in petrol and diesel prices could push thousands of workers into financial distress and force many to abandon the sector. As a mark of protest, the union has announced a temporary shutdown of app-based services tomorrow from 12 noon to 5 PM.
Oil marketing companies on Monday increased petrol and diesel prices by nearly Rs 3 per litre, marking the first major nationwide fuel hike in almost four years. Following the revision, petrol in Delhi is priced at around Rs 97.77 per litre, while diesel now costs approximately Rs 90.67 per litre. The increase comes amid rising global crude oil prices triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East, particularly around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. Recent LPG cylinder price hikes have further added to household and operational expenses.
Calling the decision a “major setback” for gig workers already struggling through extreme heatwave conditions, GIPSWU President Seema Singh said delivery executives working for platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato and Blinkit can no longer sustain rising operational costs. She demanded a minimum service rate of Rs 20 per kilometre and cautioned that the absence of immediate relief measures could lead to large-scale workforce exits.
National Coordinator Nirmal Gorana underlined the growing severity of the issue, stating that gig and platform workers — many of whom depend entirely on motorcycles and scooters for their livelihood — are among the hardest hit within India’s vast unorganised workforce. Despite rising fuel, maintenance and vehicle expenses, payment structures on most digital platforms have remained largely unchanged. Women gig workers, drivers and delivery personnel working long hours in difficult weather and traffic conditions are facing additional pressure.
According to NITI Aayog estimates, India’s gig workforce stood at around 77 lakh in 2020-21 and is projected to exceed 2.3 crore by 2029-30. Workers associated with platforms including Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto, Ola, Uber, Rapido, Porter and Amazon Flex continue to travel long distances daily while shouldering increasing operational expenses without proportional compensation.
The union said it has already submitted memorandums to the government and leading digital platforms demanding revised delivery charges, fuel compensation and urgent intervention. Describing tomorrow’s five-hour shutdown as a peaceful protest, GIPSWU appealed to citizens and civil society groups to support gig workers and raise awareness about the growing livelihood crisis in the sector.
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