Gig workers called a nationwide temporary strike on Saturday, demanding app-based drivers and delivery workers halt services from 12pm to 5pm in protest against rising fuel prices and low payment rates.The Gig and Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has appealed to workers to join the lockdown, arguing that increasing petrol and diesel prices are making it difficult for them to earn enough despite long working hours.
“GIPSWU appeals to gig and platform workers across India to observe temporary shutdown of app-based services tomorrow from 12 noon to 5 pm in protest against rising fuel prices and inadequate payment rates,” the union wrote to social media platform X.The protest comes in response to the hike in fuel prices by around Rs 3 per liter by oil marketing companies. After the revision, petrol prices in the capital rose to nearly Rs 97.77 per litre, while diesel now costs Rs 90.67 per litre. The rise came after energy supplies around the world continued to see disruptions due to the persistence of the Strait of Hormuz. While global crude oil prices rose from $70 a barrel before the conflict to nearly $105, prices in India remained largely unchanged as of Friday.
In Hyderabad, petrol prices have risen by more than Rs 3.3 per liter and now cost Rs 110.8 per litre, compared to the previous range of Rs 107.45 to Rs 107.5. Diesel prices also rose by more than Rs 3.2 per litre, rising from Rs 95.7 to Rs 98.9 per litre.For taxi drivers and delivery workers who spend most of their day on the road, the latest increase is expected to directly impact daily income.“Every time fuel prices go up, our expenses go up immediately, but customer prices do not go up accordingly,” said Mohamed, a taxi driver associated with an app-based service.
“After paying the commission and fuel fees, we have very little money left at the end of the day. Some days, it becomes difficult to even make ends meet.”Read also | Petrol and diesel prices rise by Rs 3 per liter with immediate effect; Check prices in your cityMany drivers argue that fuel costs will take a bigger share of what they earn, while app companies have not increased prices enough to match rising expenses.
High fuel prices
Public sector oil companies announced an increase in fuel prices on Friday, resulting in petrol and diesel prices rising by around Rs 3 per liter in metro cities.
Meanwhile, piped kitchen gas prices remained unchanged.Oil company executives said that further increases in fuel prices may occur at a later date, but that will depend on the government’s approval and decisions on when and how much to increase.Read also | CNG prices rise by Rs 2, further rise likely; There is no change in piped gas yetEven after the recent rise, oil companies are still unable to fully recover their costs. Crisil estimated that state-run fuel retailers are losing about Rs 10 per liter of petrol and Rs 13 per liter of diesel.Fuel prices in India are linked to global oil prices and taxes. The cost of crude oil to Indian refiners rose 53%, rising from an average of $69 per barrel in February to more than $106 so far in May. During this period, gasoline and diesel prices increased by about 75%.Fuel prices have remained mostly unchanged since April 2022, except March 2024 when the Center reduced excise duty by Rs 2 per litre.With the cost of fuel rising again, independent workers say their earnings are under serious pressure. With the temporary closure on Saturday, they aim to highlight how rising costs and lower payments are making it difficult for many workers to manage daily expenses.