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Gig Workers' Union Calls For 5-Hour Nationwide Strike Amid Fuel Price Hike
The Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has called for a five-hour shutdown of app-based services on May 16, 2026, in protest of a Rs 3 per litre rise in petrol and diesel. The union seeks a minimum service rate of Rs 20 per kilometre and fuel compensation, highlighting rising costs for about 1.2 crore gig workers across India. The fuel hike is linked to higher global oil prices amid Middle East tensions, with the government and platforms urged to intervene.
Why It Matters
The move highlights the vulnerability of gig workers to fuel and operating costs and the lack of central protections for this large informal workforce.
Timeline
5 Events
Memorandums submitted to authorities and platforms
May 15, 2026
GIPSWU has submitted memorandums to the Indian government and major platforms seeking urgent intervention, revised delivery charges, and fuel compensation.
Crisis scale and future growth cited by union
May 15, 2026
National Coordinator Nirmal Gorana highlighted the scale of the crisis, noting nearly 60 crore unorganised sector workers with around 1.2 crore gig and platform workers who rely on motorcycles and scooters and are hit hardest by rising fuel and maintenance costs. He cited that gig workers bear these costs without proportional payment adjustments; women workers and drivers are particularly affected, with many logging long hours in harsh conditions. NITI Aayog estimates gig workforce was 77 lakh in 2020-21 and is projected to reach over 2.3 crore by 2029-30.
Union leaders quote on impact and relief needs
May 15, 2026
Union President Seema Singh described the fuel hike as a 'direct blow' to gig workers already facing heatwave conditions, stating that delivery workers for platforms like Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit and others cannot bear the price rise. She urged the government and companies to ensure a minimum service rate of Rs 20 per kilometre and warned that workers may be forced to leave the sector without relief.
GIPSWU calls for five-hour nationwide strike
May 15, 2026
The Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) called for an immediate five-hour shutdown of app-based services on May 16, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM in protest against rising costs and lack of protective laws. The union urged the government and major platforms to declare a minimum service rate of Rs 20 per kilometre and described the strike as peaceful. Public and civil society support was sought.
Fuel price hike details
May 15, 2026
Oil marketing companies raised petrol and diesel prices by around Rs 3 per litre, the first major nationwide retail fuel hike in nearly four years. Petrol in Delhi now costs approximately Rs 97.77 per litre and diesel Rs 90.67. The surge stems from rising international crude oil prices amid ongoing conflict and instability in the Middle East, particularly tensions involving Iran and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier LPG cylinder price increases have added to the burden.