Commercial vehicle drivers' unions in Delhi-NCR have declared a three-day strike from May 21 to 23 (Thursday to Saturday), demanding an immediate increase in taxi and auto fares. The protest stems from rising fuel prices and alleged exploitation by app-based cab aggregators such as Ola, Uber, and Rapido.
Union Submits Letter to Authorities
According to news agency ANI, the Chalak Shakti Union submitted a letter to the Delhi lieutenant governor, chief minister, transport minister, and police commissioner. The union expressed support for a nationwide protest call by the All India Motor Transport Congress.
In the letter, the unions highlighted that taxi fares in Delhi-NCR have not been revised for nearly 15 years, despite sharp increases in CNG, petrol, and diesel prices, along with higher maintenance, insurance, permit, and fitness certificate costs.
“Taxi fares are still being charged at old rates despite rising inflation, which has severely affected the livelihood of drivers,” the union stated.
Warning of Escalation
The unions warned that if the Delhi government fails to revise fares within one to two weeks, the agitation could escalate into a larger protest movement.
“Due to the continuously increasing prices of CNG, petrol, and diesel, middle-class drivers are struggling to support their families,” said Anuj Kumar Rathore, vice-president of the Chalak Shakti Union.
The unions also announced a protest at the Delhi Secretariat on May 23.
Allegations Against App-Based Companies
Drivers alleged that app-based companies like Ola, Uber, and Rapido operate arbitrarily, pushing drivers into “economic exploitation and slavery-like conditions.”
“The union had to approach the Delhi High Court last year, which clearly directed that the problems of taxi drivers should be resolved and the taxi fare should be increased,” the letter noted.
Rising Fuel Prices Add Pressure
The strike announcement comes amid a fresh rise in fuel prices across India. On Tuesday, petrol and diesel prices increased by around 90 paise per litre, marking the second hike in less than a week. In Delhi, petrol prices climbed from Rs 97.77 to Rs 98.64 per litre, while diesel rose from Rs 90.67 to Rs 91.58 per litre.
Earlier, oil marketing companies had raised petrol and diesel prices by around Rs 3 per litre following disruptions in global energy supplies linked to the Strait of Hormuz crisis.
Gig Workers Also Voice Concerns
The fare revision demand follows recent calls by gig and platform workers across India for a temporary shutdown of app-based services to protest rising fuel costs and low payment rates.
Drivers and delivery workers argue that while fuel expenses continue to rise sharply, app-based fares and payouts have not increased proportionately.
“Every time fuel prices increase, our expenses go up immediately, but customer fares do not increase accordingly,” a cab driver said.
Crude oil costs have surged significantly in recent months due to the West Asia conflict, while state-run fuel retailers reportedly face under-recoveries on petrol and diesel sales.
