Thousands of delivery workers associated with popular food and grocery delivery platforms Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, and Zepto have announced an indefinite strike starting May 20, 2026, to protest against the recent hike in fuel prices. The workers are demanding immediate revision of delivery charges and introduction of a fuel surcharge to offset rising operational costs.
Key Demands of the Workers
The striking workers have put forward a list of demands that they claim are essential for their survival given the soaring fuel prices. Foremost among these is a demand for an increase in base delivery charges by at least 30 percent. They argue that the current rates have not been revised in over two years despite inflation and rising fuel costs.
Demand for Fuel Surcharge
Another critical demand is the implementation of a dynamic fuel surcharge that adjusts automatically with changes in fuel prices. Workers propose that this surcharge should be directly passed on to customers without affecting their earnings. They also seek a commitment from the companies that the surcharge will not be deducted from their delivery fees.
Better Working Conditions
Beyond financial compensation, the workers are also calling for improved working conditions. This includes provision of accident insurance coverage, timely payment of incentives, and a transparent grievance redressal mechanism. They have also demanded that the companies provide them with safety gear such as helmets and reflective jackets free of cost.
Impact on Services
The strike is expected to severely disrupt delivery services across major cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Chennai. Users may experience delays or unavailability of delivery slots during the strike period. The platforms have yet to issue an official response, but sources suggest they are in talks with worker representatives to resolve the issue.
Background of the Fuel Price Hike
The protest comes in the wake of a sharp increase in petrol and diesel prices over the past month. The central government's decision to increase excise duty on fuels, coupled with global crude oil price volatility, has led to a rise of nearly 15 percent in retail fuel prices. This has severely impacted the earnings of gig workers who rely on two-wheelers for deliveries.
Previous Strikes and Negotiations
This is not the first time delivery workers have resorted to strikes. In 2024, similar protests had led to temporary agreements with some platforms for higher pay. However, workers claim those promises were not fully implemented. They are now hoping for a more concrete and long-term solution.
As the strike date approaches, all eyes are on the companies' response. If an agreement is not reached, the strike could escalate, affecting millions of users across the country.
