India Gig Worker Shutdown Over Fuel

The Gig and Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) initiated a five-hour nationwide shutdown of app-based services in India on May 16, 2026, from 12 pm to 5 pm. This protest was in response to a recent increase in petrol and diesel prices by approximately Rs 3 per litre, the first major nationwide fuel price hike in nearly four years. The union demanded a minimum payment of Rs 20 per kilometre for delivery and transport workers, citing that rising operational costs, including fuel and Liquefied petroleum gas prices, are severely impacting the financial stability of nearly 1.2 crore gig workers. Seema Singh, President of GIPSWU, warned that many workers might leave the sector if earnings are not revised. Companies such as Swiggy, Zomato, Zomato — Blinkit, Metric prefix, Ola Consumer, Uber, and Rapido are directly affected by this shutdown. Nirmal Gorana, National Coordinator, emphasized the vulnerability of gig workers, particularly women, who work long hours in difficult conditions. The union has submitted memorandums to the government and major platforms, seeking revised delivery charges, fuel compensation, and better earnings protection.