Taxi and auto unions call three-day strike in Delhi amid rising fuel prices

Commuters across Delhi may face travel disruptions from May 21 to 23 as taxi and auto unions intensify protests demanding fare revisions amid repeated hikes in petrol, diesel and CNG prices.

Residents of Delhi are likely to face transportation difficulties this week after commercial vehicle unions announced a three-day strike demanding an immediate revision in taxi and auto-rickshaw fares. The protest, scheduled from May 21 to May 23, comes amid a fresh surge in fuel prices that has increased operating costs for drivers across the capital.

Several unions representing taxi and auto-rickshaw operators said drivers are struggling to manage rising expenses while fares have remained unchanged for years. The strike is expected to affect thousands of daily commuters who depend on autos and cabs for local travel across Delhi-NCR.

Fuel prices in the national capital have witnessed consecutive hikes in recent days. Petrol prices increased to ₹98.64 per litre, while diesel climbed to ₹91.58 per litre. Compressed Natural Gas, widely used by taxis and auto-rickshaws in Delhi, also became costlier after prices were raised to ₹87 per kilogram.

Industry representatives have linked the increase in fuel rates to global geopolitical tensions, including disruptions in West Asia, concerns around oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz and changes in crude oil supply dynamics.

Unions demand immediate fare revision

The All India Motor Transport Congress has urged authorities to intervene and approve revised fare structures for commercial vehicles. The organisation has reportedly written to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta seeking urgent action on the issue.

According to union leaders, taxi fares in Delhi-NCR have not undergone any major revision for nearly 15 years despite increasing fuel costs, maintenance expenses and operational charges.

Anuj Kumar Rathore, vice-president of the Chaalak Shakti Union, said drivers are finding it increasingly difficult to support their families due to the continuous rise in fuel prices. He warned that if the government fails to notify revised fares within the next few weeks, unions may intensify their protest further.

Concerns over driver earnings and app-based platforms

Driver groups have also raised concerns over declining earnings despite rising fares charged by app-based cab aggregators. They allege that drivers continue to receive lower payouts even as customers pay higher ride charges during peak hours and surge pricing periods.

The unions further demanded stronger policy measures to prevent what they described as the economic exploitation of drivers operating in the city.

The fare revision issue had earlier reached the Delhi High Court, where unions claimed the government was asked to review the matter. However, driver representatives allege that the proposal is still pending.

In addition to the strike, unions have planned a demonstration outside the Delhi Secretariat on May 23. If the government approves revised fare structures, commuters in the capital may eventually face higher travel expenses for taxis and auto-rickshaws.