Gig workers call a five-hour nationwide shutdown over fuel hikes and pay stagnation

Shutdown runs 12 pm to 5 pm Friday nationwide

Gig and Platform Service Workers Union has called for a nationwide five-hour shutdown of app-based services on Friday, from 12 pm to 5 pm, to protest rising fuel prices and stagnant pay. The union wants the government and digital platforms to revise per-kilometre service rates, arguing higher fuel costs are squeezing earnings for delivery riders and drivers. It cited fuel hikes of about Rs 3 per litre and warned that without rate changes, many may exit the sector.