Delhi taxi and auto drivers announce 3-day strike from May 21 over fare hike demand

Taxi and commercial vehicle driver unions in Delhi have announced a three-day strike from May 21 to May 23, calling for an increase in fares amid rising fuel costs.

The unions have cited the continuous rise in CNG, petrol, and diesel prices as the primary reason behind their protest, arguing that current fare structures are no longer financially viable for drivers operating in the capital and the broader Delhi-NCR region.

Appeal to the Delhi government for fare revision

The All India Motor Transport Congress has written to both the Lieutenant Governor and the Chief Minister of Delhi, urging immediate intervention and revision of taxi and auto-rickshaw fares.

“Chakka Jam” call by Chalak Shakti Union

Separately, the Chalak Shakti Union has called for a “chakka jam” (wheel-jam protest) and urged drivers to keep vehicles off the roads during the strike period. The union has warned that if fare revisions are not implemented soon, the agitation may be intensified further.

Allegations against app-based cab companies

Drivers have also accused app-based cab companies of unfair practices and economic exploitation, claiming that corporate pricing models are worsening their financial distress.

According to union representatives, taxi fares in Delhi and the NCR have not been revised for nearly 15 years, despite significant increases in fuel and maintenance costs. They argue that this stagnation has made it increasingly difficult for drivers to sustain their households.

The unions also cited earlier observations by the Delhi High Court, related to taxi drivers’ grievances and the issue of fare revision.

Fuel prices hike across metro cities

Meanwhile, fuel prices across major Indian metro cities were increased on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, marking the second hike within a week amid rising global crude oil costs. Petrol prices rose by as much as 96 paise per litre, while diesel rates increased by up to 94 paise per litre in the latest revision.

The fresh increase comes shortly after state-run oil marketing companies had raised fuel prices by around Rs 3 per litre last Friday.

Metro city-wise fuel prices

In Delhi, petrol now costs Rs 98.64 per litre after an 87-paise increase, while diesel stands at Rs 91.58 per litre, up by 91 paise.

Mumbai continued to record the highest petrol prices among the metros. Petrol rose by 91 paise to Rs 107.59 per litre, while diesel climbed to Rs 94.08 per litre after a 94 paise hike.

Kolkata saw the steepest rise in petrol prices among the four metros, increasing by 96 paise to Rs 109.70 per litre. Diesel in the city rose by 94 paise to Rs 96.07 per litre.

In Chennai, petrol prices increased by 82 paise to Rs 104.49 per litre, while diesel went up by 86 paise to Rs 96.11 per litre.

Oil marketing companies under pressure

The revision comes amid financial pressure on public sector fuel retailers. State-run oil marketing companies, Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited, are reportedly facing significant losses due to the widening gap between international crude prices and domestic retail fuel rates.

Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri had recently warned that these companies could face losses running into nearly Rs 1 lakh crore in a quarter if fuel prices were not adjusted in line with global trends. He also noted that state refiners were losing around Rs 1,000 crore per day collectively.

Government rules out shortage

Despite rising prices, the government has assured that there is no fuel shortage in the country. Officials have stated that India currently holds around 60 days of fuel stocks and approximately 45 days of LPG reserves.

Oil Secretary Neeraj Mittal recently reiterated that there is no need for panic or rationing, stating that sufficient supplies are available.

CNG prices also revised

Alongside petrol and diesel, CNG prices have also been increased in the Delhi-NCR and Mumbai regions. In Delhi, CNG prices were raised by Rs 2 to Rs 79.09 per kg. Indraprastha Gas Limited also implemented a Rs 1 hike earlier, while Mahanagar Gas Limited revised rates in Mumbai.