Gig workers have called for a temporary nationwide strike on Saturday to protest against rising fuel prices and low pay rates, with app-based drivers and delivery workers asked to stop services from 12 noon to 5 pm.The Gig and Platform Services Workers Union (GIPSWU) has appealed to workers to join the strike, arguing that rising prices of petrol and diesel are making it difficult for them to earn enough despite working long hours.Union social media platformThe protest comes in response to the increase in fuel price by about Rs 3 per liter by oil marketing companies. After the revision, petrol prices in the capital have come down to around Rs 97.77 per litre, while diesel now costs Rs 90.67 per litre. The increase comes as the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt energy supplies around the world. While global crude oil prices have risen to around $105 a barrel from $70 before the conflict, prices in India remained largely unchanged till Friday.
In Hyderabad, petrol prices increased by more than Rs 3.3 per liter and now costs Rs 110.8 per liter from Rs 107.45 per liter earlier. Diesel prices have also increased by more than Rs 3.2 per liter from Rs 95.7 to Rs 98.9 per litre.For cab 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 increase, our expenses increase immediately, but customer fares do not increase accordingly,” said Mohammed, a cab driver associated with an app-based service. “After paying commission and fuel charges, we are left with very little money at the end of the day. Sometimes it becomes difficult to even meet household expenses.”Read this also Petrol, diesel prices increased by Rs 3 per liter with immediate effect; Check rates in your cityMany drivers argue that fuel costs will take away a large portion of their earnings, while app companies have not increased fares enough to keep pace with rising expenses.
fuel price increase
Fuel price hikes were announced by public sector oil companies on Friday, taking petrol and diesel prices up by nearly Rs 3 per liter in metro cities. At the same time, the prices of piped LPG remain unchanged.Oil company officials said that fuel prices may increase further later, but it will depend on the government’s approval and decision as to when and by how much to increase.Read this also CNG prices increased by Rs 2, possibility of further increase; No change in piped gas yetEven after the latest hike, oil companies have still not been able to fully recover their costs. CRISIL estimates that government fuel retailers are incurring a loss of around Rs 10 per liter on petrol and Rs 13 per liter on diesel.Fuel prices in India are linked to global oil prices and taxes. Crude oil costs for Indian refiners have surged 53%, from an average of $69 a barrel in February to more than $106 so far in May. During this period, prices of petrol and diesel have increased by almost 75%.Fuel prices remained mostly unchanged from April 2022, except for March 2024 when the Center cut excise duty by Rs 2 per litre.With fuel becoming expensive again, gig workers say their earnings are under severe pressure. Through Saturday’s temporary closure, they aim to highlight how rising costs and low pay are making it difficult for many workers to manage daily expenses.
