Gig Workers Union Calls Nationwide Shutdown Over Fuel Price Hike
A nationwide protest by gig workers could disrupt app-based services across India today after the Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) called for a five-hour shutdown.
The union has urged cab drivers and delivery partners linked to major digital platforms to suspend services from 12 noon to 5 pm on Saturday.
The protest comes a day after the Centre increased petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre, marking the first major retail fuel price revision in nearly four years.
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Gig Workers Demand Higher Per-Kilometre Payouts
The union is demanding a minimum service rate of Rs 20 per kilometre from both the government and app-based companies.
GIPSWU president Seema Singh described the latest fuel hike as a “direct blow” to gig workers.
“Delivery workers associated with companies such as Swiggy, Zomato and Blinkit will not be able to bear the impact of rising petrol and diesel prices during the ongoing severe heatwave conditions,” she said.
The union also warned that rising operational costs could force many workers to leave the gig economy sector altogether.
Latest Fuel Prices In Major Indian Cities (May 2026)
| Fuel Type | Delhi | Mumbai | Kolkata | Chennai |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | ₹97.77 (+2.96▲) | ₹106.68 (+3.19▲) | ₹108.74 (+3.75▲) | ₹103.64 (+2.85▲) |
| Diesel | ₹90.67 (+2.96▲) | ₹93.14 (+3.13▲) | ₹95.13 (+3.32▲) | ₹95.25 (+2.87▲) |
| CNG | ₹100.90 (0.00▼) | ₹81.00 (0.00▼) | ₹94.00 (0.00▼) | ₹91.50 (0.00▼) |
| Auto Gas (LPG Auto Fuel) | ₹64.80 (+2.00▲) | ₹65.38 (+1.96▲) | ₹57.26 (+0.52▲) | ₹58.78 (-1.13▼) |
| Domestic LPG Cylinder | ₹913.00 (0.00▼) | ₹912.50 (0.00▼) | ₹939.00 (0.00▼) | ₹928.50 (0.00▼) |
Fuel Prices In Jodhpur (Rajasthan)
| Fuel Type | Current Price | Latest Revision |
|---|---|---|
| Petrol | ₹107.79/L | +₹3.27 ▲ (15 May 2026) |
| Diesel | ₹93.07/L | +₹3.02 ▲ (15 May 2026) |
| AutoGas | ₹34.82/L | No change |
| CNG | ₹90/kg | No change |
| LPG Cylinder | ₹920.50 | No change |
Highlights
- Petrol and diesel prices increased sharply after the nationwide ₹3/litre hike announced in May 2026.
- Mumbai and Kolkata currently have the highest petrol prices among major metros due to higher state taxes and VAT.
- CNG and domestic LPG prices largely remained unchanged during the latest revision cycle.
- Rajasthan cities like Jodhpur witnessed petrol prices crossing ₹107/litre after the latest hike.
BS6 Fuel In India
| Feature | BS4 Fuel | BS6 Fuel |
|---|---|---|
| Sulphur Content | 50 ppm | 10 ppm |
| Pollution Level | Higher | Lower |
| Emissions | More harmful pollutants | Cleaner fuel emissions |
| Implementation | Older standard | Nationwide from April 2020 |
Impact On Listed Companies After Fuel Price Hike & Gig Workers Strike
| Company | Business Impact | Stock Trend / Recent Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| Zomato | Higher delivery costs, pressure on margins, possible order disruptions | Weak sentiment amid rising operating costs |
| Swiggy | Fuel inflation may increase logistics expenses and rider payouts | Investor focus on profitability pressure |
| Ola | Driver unrest and reduced service availability could hurt operations | Negative short-term sentiment |
| Uber Technologies | Surge pricing and driver incentive costs may rise | Operational disruption concerns |
| Info Edge | Indirect impact through stake exposure to food delivery ecosystem | Market watching startup profitability |
| Reliance Industries | Quick commerce and logistics ecosystem may face cost pressure | Limited but indirect impact |
Food Delivery & Gig Economy Companies: Stock Price & Change %
| Company | Trading Symbol | Current Price | Change % (1D) | Primary Exchange |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eternal | NSE: ETERNAL | ₹241.18 | -1.89% | NSE (India) |
| Swiggy | NSE: SWIGGY | ₹255.40 | -0.51% | NSE (India) |
| Uber Technologies | NYSE: UBER | US$75.09 | +0.54% | NYSE (US) |
| Ola Electric | NSE: OLAELEC | ₹35.68 | -0.89% | NSE (India) |
| Rapido | Not Listed | No public stock price | — | Private |
| Blinkit | Part of Eternal | Included under Eternal valuation | — | Subsidiary |
| Zepto | Not Listed | No public stock price | — | Private |
Swiggy, Zomato, Ola And Uber Workers Likely To Join Protest
The shutdown call is expected to impact delivery and ride-hailing platforms including Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, Ola, Uber, Rapido and Amazon Flex.
Union leaders said the rising fuel costs will severely impact earnings of workers who depend on two-wheelers and cars for daily income.
According to GIPSWU, nearly 1.2 crore gig workers across India will face direct financial pressure due to the fuel price increase.
Petrol Prices in Key Years (India)
| Year | Petrol Price (Approx.) | Key Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1947 | ₹0.25–0.27/L | Early post-independence pricing; low taxes and lower crude oil costs |
| 1970 | ₹0.90/L | Gradual rise due to economic expansion and oil demand |
| 1990 | ₹4.20/L | Government-controlled pricing before economic liberalisation |
| 2004 | ₹33.71/L | Rising global crude oil prices began impacting domestic fuel prices |
| 2013 | ₹72.26/L | Sharp rise due to rupee weakness, global crude prices, and taxes |
| 2014 | ₹72.43/L | Prices remained relatively stable compared to 2013 |
| March 2024 | ₹2/L cut | Central government reduced petrol and diesel prices before Lok Sabha elections |
| May 2026 | ₹3/L hike | Fuel prices increased after nearly four years of freeze amid rising crude oil prices and Middle East tensions |
Here’s What Happened Today And Why Workers Reacted
The government on Friday raised petrol and diesel prices by Rs 3 per litre with immediate effect.
The hike was linked to rising global crude oil prices and continued geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, especially concerns surrounding Iran and the Strait of Hormuz.
However, gig workers said the increase would sharply reduce already strained daily earnings.
Workers claim that fuel, maintenance and operational expenses have risen steadily over the past few years, while payouts from aggregator platforms have not increased proportionately.
This triggered strong reactions from delivery executives and cab drivers, many of whom already work 10 to 14 hours daily under difficult weather and traffic conditions.
Rising Costs Could Trigger Migration Among Workers
According to the union, the latest fuel price hike may lead to large-scale migration among gig workers searching for alternative sources of income.
National Coordinator Nirmal Gorana said gig workers remain among the worst-hit sections of the unorganised workforce because most depend heavily on motorcycles and scooters for earning daily wages.
“Expenses related to fuel, vehicle upkeep and maintenance have increased sharply, but payment rates have not kept pace,” he said.
He added that women workers, drivers and delivery executives are facing the maximum pressure due to long working hours and rising living costs.
India’s Gig Economy Faces Growing Pressure
India’s gig economy has expanded rapidly over the last few years.
According to estimates by NITI Aayog, the country had nearly 77 lakh gig workers in 2020-21. That number is expected to cross 2.3 crore by 2029-30.
Delivery executives and ride-hailing drivers linked to food delivery, quick commerce and mobility platforms travel long distances every day while bearing fuel and maintenance expenses on their own.
The latest fuel price hike has now intensified concerns around income sustainability within the sector.
What Impact Could This Have On Consumers And Investors?
Consumers in several cities may face delays in food deliveries, grocery orders and ride bookings during the shutdown window if participation remains high.
For investors, the development highlights rising operational pressure in India’s fast-growing gig economy and quick commerce sectors.
If fuel prices remain elevated for a longer period, companies may eventually face pressure to increase worker incentives and payouts, which could impact margins.
Market participants will now closely watch whether platform companies announce relief measures or revise payment structures for drivers and delivery partners in the coming weeks.
