Commuters across Delhi-NCR may face longer waiting times, fewer cabs and autos on roads, and higher fares over the next three days as more than
While the protest includes several demands from commercial vehicle operators and transport unions, the biggest trigger behind the agitation is the sharp rise in fuel prices, which drivers say has made it extremely difficult to survive.
Taxi and auto unions have argued that fares in Delhi-NCR have not been revised for nearly 15 years despite repeated increases in petrol, diesel and CNG prices.
The strike has been called by commercial vehicle unions, including the Chalak Shakti Union, in support of a nationwide agitation announced by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC).
Drivers say rising fuel prices have badly hit their earnings over the past few years.
Petrol and diesel prices have increased sharply in recent months due to the ongoing West Asia conflict and rising global crude oil prices. CNG prices have also seen repeated hikes.
According to the unions, operating costs for drivers have gone up significantly, but fares have remained largely unchanged.
“Due to the continuously increasing prices of CNG, petrol and diesel, middle-class drivers are struggling to support their families,” Chalak Shakti Union vice-president Anuj Kumar Rathore said while announcing the protest.
The union claimed taxi fares in Delhi have not been revised since the City Taxi Scheme was introduced nearly 15 years ago.
“It has now been 15 years that the Delhi government implemented the City Taxi Scheme, but has not increased the fares. Today, all drivers are on the verge of starvation,” Rathore said.
Drivers say fuel expenses alone are now consuming a major part of their daily income.
Apart from fuel costs, drivers have also raised concerns about app-based cab aggregators such as Uber, Ola and Rapido.
The unions accused these platforms of “economic exploitation”, claiming drivers are receiving lower payouts while commissions and expenses continue rising.
Drivers also complained about:
falling per-kilometre earnings,fewer ride bookings,high vehicle maintenance costs,loan EMIs,and increasing platform charges.
One taxi driver claimed that app payouts had almost halved in recent weeks.
“Rapido was paying Rs 30 per km from April 18 to 25, which has now been reduced to Rs 15-16,” a driver told ANI.
Another driver said stagnant fares and fewer rides had made it difficult to manage household expenses.
The strike is also linked to wider protests by transport operators against recent government measures affecting commercial vehicles.
One major concern is the hike in Environment Compensation Charge (ECC) from April 19.
The ECC on light commercial vehicles and two-axle trucks was increased from Rs 1,400 to Rs 2,000, while charges for heavier vehicles were raised from Rs 2,600 to Rs 4,000.
Transport unions are also opposing:
annual 5% hikes in ECC charges,and a proposed ban on BS-4 and older commercial vehicles entering Delhi-NCR from November 1, 2026.
The proposed restrictions are part of pollution-control measures being pushed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
However, transport bodies argue the rules are unfair because they focus on vehicle age and category instead of actual emissions.
AIMTC president Rajender Kapoor said restrictions should be based on real tailpipe emissions rather than vehicle classification alone.
The strike is expected to impact:
app-based cab services,auto-rickshaw operations,commercial taxi services,and last-mile connectivity in Delhi-NCR.
Passengers travelling to metro stations, railway stations and office hubs may face difficulties during peak hours.
Longer waiting times and surge pricing are also likely if a large number of drivers stay off roads.
However, Delhi Metro and DTC bus services are expected to continue operating normally.
The protest highlights the growing financial stress faced by drivers amid rising fuel costs and changing transport regulations.
The issue has become more serious after recent fuel price hikes linked to the West Asia conflict and rising crude oil prices globally.
Many drivers say they are now struggling to balance fuel costs, app commissions and household expenses while fares remain stagnant.
Transport unions have warned that if their demands are not addressed soon, the current three-day “symbolic” protest could turn into a larger indefinite strike in the coming weeks.