Telangana Gig Workers Accuse Ola, Uber, Swiggy Of Ignoring Fuel Hike Impact On Earnings

Fuel price hikes in Telangana have intensified the financial struggles of cab drivers, auto drivers, and delivery workers, with the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers' Union (TGPWU) accusing major platform companies of failing to revise delivery and ride charges despite rising operational costs. The union said workers associated with platforms such as Ola, Uber, Rapido, Amazon, Swiggy, Zomato, Blinkit and Zepto are facing severe economic pressure as expenses continue to rise.

Gig Workers Say Fuel Hike Has Deepened Crisis

According to the TGPWU, gig workers are being forced to spend longer hours on roads while their incomes remain stagnant. The union highlighted that unlike several salaried employees, drivers and delivery partners cannot avoid travel-related costs.

"Unlike IT employees who have the option to work from home, cab drivers, auto drivers, and delivery workers have no such flexibility. They are forced to spend long hours on the roads waiting for rides and orders while fuel prices continue to rise daily," the statement read.

The union alleged that despite repeated increases in petrol and diesel prices, platform-based companies have not revised fares or delivery payouts, leaving workers to absorb the additional burden themselves.

Long Queues, EMI Burden Add To Financial Pressure

TGPWU Founder Shaik Salauddin said the rising fuel costs have also resulted in long waiting times at fuel stations, further affecting workers' productivity and earnings.

"Increased fuel prices have left auto and cab drivers waiting in long queues at the gas station," he said.

The union further pointed out that workers are simultaneously dealing with mounting vehicle EMIs, maintenance expenses, and rising household costs.

"Rising vehicle EMI burdens, maintenance costs, and increasing household expenses, and to top it all, educational expenses - these are additional financial pressures," the statement read.

Union Says Electric Vehicles Are Not A Practical Alternative

While electric vehicles are often projected as a long-term solution to rising fuel costs, the union argued that shifting to EVs is currently unrealistic for most gig workers. TGPWU said both the state and central governments have not provided sufficient financial support to encourage the transition.

On using electric vehicles as an alternative, TGPWU called it "not a practical solution," and said the "state and central government have failed to provide adequate subsidies."

The union also flagged the shortage of charging infrastructure, saying the lack of accessible charging points is discouraging workers from switching to electric vehicles.

Demand For Immediate Government Intervention

The union urged authorities to step in and provide relief measures for workers dependent on app-based platforms for their livelihoods. It stressed that gig and platform workers continue to provide essential public services despite shrinking earnings.

"Gig and platform workers are providing essential services to society every day, but their earnings are shrinking due to continuously rising fuel prices and living costs. Immediate intervention is necessary to protect workers from further financial distress," the statement said.