Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit, Zepto workers announce 5-hour shutdown today; here are their demands

App-based delivery and transport workers have called for a five-hour nationwide shutdown on Saturday, demanding a minimum payment of Rs 20 per kilometre after the recent rise in petrol and diesel prices added to their operating costs.

The protest call, issued by the Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU), is expected to impact food delivery, ride-hailing and quick-commerce services between 12 pm and 5 pm. The union claims nearly 1.2 crore gig and platform workers across the country could be affected by the latest fuel price revision.

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The shutdown comes amid growing frustration within the gig economy over stagnant payouts and rising daily expenses. Workers associated with app-based platforms have repeatedly argued that while fuel prices and living costs continue to climb, earnings have not kept pace, leaving many struggling to sustain long working hours.

In a statement, GIPSWU said the recent hike of around Rs 3 per litre in petrol and diesel prices by oil marketing companies has increased financial pressure on workers who depend on two-wheelers for deliveries and transport services.

Gig workers seek revised payout structure

GIPSWU President Seema Singh said the increase in fuel prices, coupled with higher LPG cylinder rates, has worsened the economic situation for delivery and transport workers.

She warned that many workers may be forced to leave the sector if companies and authorities fail to revise compensation structures in line with rising operational costs.

Singh urged the government and digital platform companies to introduce a minimum service rate of Rs 20 per kilometre for workers engaged in delivery and ride-hailing services.

According to the union, workers linked to platforms such as Swiggy, Zomato and Blinkit are among the most affected as they spend long hours on motorcycles and scooters, often in extreme weather conditions.

Fuel prices and global tensions cited as trigger

The union attributed the fuel price increase to high international crude oil prices and instability in global energy markets amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

This is being seen as the first major nationwide fuel price increase in nearly four years.

The latest protest follows a nationwide strike by gig and quick-commerce workers in December 2025, when delivery partners had raised concerns over low wages, lack of social security benefits and what they described as unfair working conditions.

At the time, workers had also opposed ultra-fast delivery models, including the 10-minute delivery option, and demanded restoration of earlier payout structures.