Commuters in Delhi-NCR may face major transportation disruptions next week as taxi and auto driver unions have announced a three-day strike from May 21 to May 23. The protest has been called over rising fuel prices, unchanged fare structures and alleged exploitation by app-based cab companies.
The strike announcement was made by multiple commercial vehicle unions, including the Chaalak Shakti Union, which claimed that drivers are struggling to survive due to continuously increasing prices of CNG, petrol and diesel.
According to union leaders, taxi and auto fares in Delhi-NCR have remained largely unchanged for nearly 15 years despite inflation and rising operational expenses.
Drivers Say Rising Costs Are Hurting Livelihoods
Chaalak Shakti Union vice-president Anuj Kumar Rathore said middle-class drivers are finding it increasingly difficult to support their families.
“Fuel prices are continuously rising while drivers’ earnings are shrinking. Many drivers are struggling to even cover basic household expenses,” Rathore said.
The unions stated that apart from fuel costs, drivers are also burdened by increasing expenses related to vehicle maintenance, insurance, permits, fitness certificates and loan repayments.
According to the organisations, many taxi and auto drivers in Delhi are now working longer hours but earning significantly lower profits than before.
Ola, Uber And Rapido Accused Of Economic Exploitation
The protesting unions also targeted app-based cab aggregators such as Ola, Uber and Rapido, accusing them of unfair policies and excessive commission structures.
The unions alleged that drivers in Delhi-NCR are becoming victims of “serious economic exploitation” due to arbitrary fare systems and reduced earnings through ride-hailing platforms.
They have demanded strict government regulations to protect commercial drivers and ensure fair pricing mechanisms.
The organisations are also seeking policy reforms that would improve driver welfare and prevent financial exploitation by private app-based companies.
Protest Planned At Delhi Secretariat
The All India Motor Transport Congress has written to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, urging immediate intervention.
The unions warned that if taxi and auto fares are not revised within the next one or two weeks, the movement could intensify into a larger protest across Delhi-NCR.
A major demonstration is also expected to be held outside the Delhi Secretariat on May 23.
The unions are demanding an urgent meeting with the Delhi government to discuss fare hikes and long-term solutions for commercial vehicle drivers.
Fuel Price Hike Triggers Fresh Anger
The strike announcement comes shortly after another increase in petrol and diesel prices.
In Delhi, petrol prices rose from Rs 97.77 to Rs 98.64 per litre, while diesel prices increased from Rs 90.67 to Rs 91.58 per litre.
Commercial drivers say repeated fuel price hikes without fare revisions are pushing many operators toward financial instability.
Industry experts believe the strike could significantly impact daily commuters, office workers and airport passengers if negotiations fail before May 21.
Commuters May Face Transport Disruptions
If the strike proceeds as planned, thousands of taxis, autos and commercial vehicles may stay off the roads across Delhi-NCR for three days.
Passengers relying on app-based cabs and public transport alternatives could face delays, surge pricing and limited vehicle availability during the protest period.
The Delhi government has not yet officially responded to all demands raised by the unions, but discussions are expected in the coming days as pressure mounts ahead of the planned strike.
