A major transport disruption is likely across Delhi-NCR this week after commercial vehicle drivers announced a three-day strike from May 21 to 23, demanding an immediate revision in taxi and auto fares amid soaring fuel prices and mounting operational costs. The protest has also intensified pressure on the Delhi government as driver unions accused app-based cab aggregators of pushing thousands of drivers into financial distress through ‘unfair and exploitative practices.’
The strike call, issued by the “Chalak Shakti Union”, comes at a time when petrol and diesel prices have increased across the country, adding to the burden on commercial drivers already struggling with rising maintenance expenses and stagnant fare structures.
Drivers say fares unchanged for nearly 15 years
In a letter addressed to the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, Transport Minister and Police Commissioner, the union stated that taxi and auto fares in Delhi-NCR had not seen any meaningful revision for nearly 15 years despite sharp increases in fuel costs and inflation.
The union claimed that drivers were finding it increasingly difficult to sustain their livelihoods as expenses linked to vehicle permits, insurance, maintenance, fitness certificates and daily household needs continued to rise steadily.
“Taxi fares are still being charged at old rates despite rising inflation, which has severely affected the livelihood of drivers,” the union said in its communication.
Fuel price hike adds to drivers’ burden
The protest announcement coincided with a fresh increase in fuel prices across the country. In Delhi, petrol prices rose from Rs 97.77 to Rs 98.64 per litre, while diesel prices climbed from Rs 90.67 to Rs 91.58 per litre.
Driver unions said the latest hike has further deepened the crisis for commercial vehicle operators, many of whom claim their earnings have failed to keep pace with rising operational expenses.
App-based cab companies accused of economic exploitation
The drivers’ body also levelled serious allegations against app-based mobility platforms including Ola, Uber and Rapido, accusing them of operating arbitrarily and placing commercial drivers under severe economic pressure.
According to the union, many drivers working through app-based services are being forced to operate under financially unsustainable conditions due to commission structures, incentives and fare policies that allegedly favour companies over drivers.
“App-based companies like Ola, Uber and Rapido are operating arbitrarily, and drivers in Delhi-NCR are becoming victims of serious economic exploitation,” the union alleged.
The organisation has sought an urgent meeting with the Delhi government to discuss fare revisions and policy measures aimed at protecting commercial drivers from alleged exploitation.
Nationwide protest backing adds pressure on authorities
The strike in Delhi-NCR is also being linked to a larger nationwide protest announced by the All India Motor Transport Congress, increasing the possibility of wider transport disruptions if negotiations fail.
The union warned that the agitation could escalate further if authorities do not take immediate steps to revise fares and address the concerns raised by drivers.