Delhi taxi drivers are set to go on a three-day strike from May 21 to May 23, amid escalating fuel prices. The drivers’ unions in the city have called for this action to demand an immediate fare increase for taxis and auto-rickshaws. Daily commuters in the national capital, particularly those reliant on these modes of transport, are expected to feel the impact of the strike considerably.

This protest follows a recent uptick in petrol, diesel, and CNG prices, marking the second increase in just a few days. Petrol prices in Delhi have risen to Rs 98.64 per litre from Rs 97.77, while diesel has moved up to Rs 91.58 from Rs 90.67, with these new rates effective from Tuesday. This follows a Rs 3-per-litre rise announced the preceding Friday, with CNG also experiencing an increase of Rs 2 per kg to Rs 87, affecting most local taxis and auto-rickshaws.

Factors contributing to these surging fuel costs reportedly include the ongoing conflict in West Asia, blockades in the vital oil shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, and the cessation of the US sanction waiver on Russian crude oil imports.

Demands by Drivers’ Unions for Fare Revision

The All India Motor Transport Congress reached out to Delhi Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu and Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on May 19, urging government intervention to authorise fare revisions. Anuj Kumar Rathore, vice-president of the Chaalak Shakti Union, stated that the continuous rise in fuel prices has severely impacted middle-class drivers, making it increasingly difficult for them to support their families.

Rathore also mentioned that if the government fails to update taxi fares within a week or two, the protests will escalate. He emphasised that the Delhi government would bear full responsibility for any further disturbances. Notably, taxi fare rates in the Delhi-NCR region have not been altered in the past 15 years, despite significant increases in operational expenses.

In addition to fare adjustments, drivers are advocating for the establishment of strong regulations to prevent the economic exploitation of taxi drivers. The unions have alleged that app-based cab aggregators have been raising passenger fares but drivers’ earnings continue to dwindle, leading to accusations of economic exploitation and conditions akin to slavery.

Pending Proposals and Future Protests Scheduled

This issue was brought before the Delhi High Court last year, where unions claimed the court had instructed the government to take action. However, they assert that any proposal for fare revision remains under consideration and has not yet been resolved.

In addition to the proposed strike, a protest has been scheduled at the Delhi Secretariat on May 23. Should the government acquiesce to the demands made by these unions, residents are likely to experience increased fares for taxi and auto-rickshaw services, further adding to already rising household expenses.

The ongoing fuel price crisis presents a complex challenge for both drivers and commuters alike. As the situation develops, the outcome of the strike and the government’s response will be critical in determining the future of taxi services in the region.

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