According to “Chalak Shakti Union”, taxi and commercial vehicle fares in Delhi-NCR have not been revised for nearly 15 years despite steep increases in operational expenses.
Delhi-NCR braces for commute nightmare as taxi, auto drivers go on 3-day strike demanding immediate fare revision
Daily commuters across Delhi and the National Capital Region are likely to face severe travel disruption over the next three days after taxi and auto-rickshaw unions launched a large-scale strike demanding a hike in fares and stricter regulation of app-based cab aggregators.
The agitation, which began on Thursday and is scheduled to continue till May 23, has affected the movement of taxis, auto-rickshaws and several categories of commercial vehicles across Delhi, Noida, Gurugram and nearby regions. The protest has been organised in support of a nationwide call given by the All India Motor Transport Congress.
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With thousands of commercial drivers joining the strike, commuters heading to offices, markets, railway stations and airports faced uncertainty amid reduced vehicle availability during peak hours.
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Visuals from Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi)
#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals from Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) as Taxi and Auto Unions have announced a three-day strike from 21-23 May in Delhi, demanding an immediate hike in their fares amid the rising fuel prices. pic.twitter.com/D2LeutOGAk
— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2026
Several taxi drivers participating in the protest claimed that their earnings have sharply declined over the past few months due to reduced payouts from app-based platforms, even as fuel and maintenance expenses continue to rise.
One driver alleged that ride-hailing companies had drastically cut per-kilometre payments, leaving many drivers struggling to meet daily expenses. “The condition is very bad as the prices have decreased. Rapido was paying Rs 30 per km from 18 to 25 April, which has now been reduced to Rs 15-16. We are protesting from 21-23 May, so let’s see what will happen,” he said.
Another driver said commercial vehicle operators were finding it increasingly difficult to survive due to stagnant fares and a fall in ride demand. “There is no price in the market. We do not even get many rides. I would appeal to the government to pay some attention to the taxi fares as well,” he said.
Visuals from Anand Vihar Terminus
#WATCH | Delhi: Visuals from Anand Vihar Terminus as Taxi and Auto Unions have announced a three-day strike from 21-23 May in Delhi, demanding an immediate hike in their fares amid the rising fuel prices. pic.twitter.com/UJCvrM4uU3
— ANI (@ANI) May 21, 2026
The “Chalak Shakti Union” has formally written to the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, Transport Minister and Police Commissioner seeking immediate intervention in the matter.
According to the union, taxi and commercial vehicle fares in Delhi-NCR have not been revised for nearly 15 years despite steep increases in operational expenses.
The union said the rising cost of CNG, petrol and diesel, along with mounting expenses linked to insurance, permits, fitness certificates and vehicle maintenance, has severely affected drivers’ livelihoods. “Taxi fares are still being charged at old rates despite rising inflation, which has severely affected the livelihood of drivers,” the union stated.
The strike has come at a time when fuel prices have witnessed another increase across the country, adding further strain on commercial vehicle operators.
In Delhi, petrol prices increased by 87 paise to Rs 98.64 per litre, while diesel prices rose by 91 paise to Rs 91.58 per litre, intensifying concerns among drivers already battling rising operational costs and shrinking earnings.
The protesting unions also targeted app-based transport companies, accusing them of functioning without proper regulation and exploiting commercial drivers through fluctuating fare structures and reduced incentives.
The drivers’ association alleged that companies such as Ola, Uber and Rapido were operating arbitrarily, pushing many drivers into financial distress.
Union representatives warned that if the government failed to address their demands and initiate fare revisions, the agitation could escalate into a larger movement in the coming days.
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