Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto Delivery Workers Announce Strike Over Fuel Price Hike, observe 5-hour shutdown

May 16, 2026

Following the rise in petrol and diesel prices across the country, the impact is now becoming visible on app-based delivery and cab services as well. The Gig and Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has announced a protest against the escalating fuel prices. The union stated that on Saturday, i.e., today, a 5-hour shutdown from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM will be observed by the gig workers.

The union asserts that the rising cost of petrol and diesel is affecting delivery personnel and drivers. Millions of workers employed by companies such as Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto, Ola, Uber, and Rapido rely entirely on their bikes and scooters for their livelihood. Consequently, the surge in fuel prices is causing a continuous erosion of their daily earnings.

Demand for a Rate of ₹20 Per Kilometer

The union has demanded that these companies establish a minimum service rate of ₹20 per kilometer for gig workers. The union argues that while expenses rise immediately whenever petrol and diesel prices increase, the companies fail to correspondingly raise delivery charges or per-kilometer payouts.

Seema Singh, President of GIPSWU, stated that delivery workers who already endure long hours of work amidst scorching heat are under immense pressure. The rising cost of fuel has now further exacerbated their plight. She warned that if the companies do not make a decision to increase remuneration, the agitation will be intensified in the days to come.

Impact on Over 10 Million Workers

Nirmal Gorana, the union’s National Coordinator, noted that there are approximately 12 million gig and platform workers across the country. This workforce includes individuals engaged in food delivery, grocery delivery, logistics, and cab services.

He explained that the rising cost of petrol and diesel has a direct adverse effect on these workers’ earnings, as they are required to bear the costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and other operational expenses out of their own pockets.

Appeal to the Government

The union has also appealed to the government to issue directives to app-based companies, mandating an increase in payouts so that the entire burden of rising fuel prices does not fall solely upon the workers. The union states that this protest, scheduled for Friday, will be peaceful, and its objective is to bring the economic hardships faced by gig workers to the attention of the government and the companies.