Commercial vehicle operators across Delhi-NCR have declared a three-day strike from May 21 to May 23, pressing for an urgent increase in taxi and auto-rickshaw fares due to soaring fuel costs and what they describe as unfair practices by app-based cab services. The decision was communicated through a letter sent by the “Chalak Shakti Union” to the Delhi Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister, Transport Minister, and Police Commissioner. The protest is also being held in solidarity with a nationwide agitation called by the All India Motor Transport Congress.

According to the union, fare rates for taxis and autos in Delhi-NCR have remained unchanged for nearly 15 years, even as prices of CNG, petrol, and diesel have risen sharply. Drivers say additional expenses such as vehicle maintenance, insurance, permits, fitness certificates, and other daily operational costs have made it increasingly difficult to earn a stable income.

The union claimed that many drivers are facing financial hardship and struggling to meet household expenses because fare structures have not kept pace with inflation. It also accused ride-hailing platforms including Ola, Uber, and Rapido of operating without proper regulation and allegedly exploiting drivers economically.

The drivers’ body warned that if the government does not take immediate steps to revise fares, the protest could escalate further. It has also requested a formal meeting with authorities to discuss policies aimed at protecting drivers from alleged exploitation. Meanwhile, fuel prices saw another increase across the country. In Delhi, petrol prices went up by 87 paise per litre, rising from Rs 97.77 to Rs 98.64, while diesel prices increased by 91 paise, moving from Rs 90.67 to Rs 91.58 per litre.