Fuel crisis paralyses Hyderabad’s gig economy as drivers suffer sharp income loss

Fuel shortages in Hyderabad due to Middle-East tensions have disrupted LPG and CNG supplies, hitting app-based drivers and food delivery workers. Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU) has sought urgent government intervention into the matter.

Hyderabad: Thousands of app-based drivers in Hyderabad operating LPG and CNG vehicles are facing a severe crisis triggered by Middle-East tensions. Inordinate delays in supply have led to massive queues at fuel stations, resulting in fewer trips and immediate loss of income for workers already struggling with high operational costs.

The ‘panic buying’ witnessed over the last few days has also crippled the food delivery sector. As LPG supplies to eateries become limited, reduced food preparation capacity has directly slashed order volumes, further denting the daily earnings of delivery partners.

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“The ongoing fuel crisis and panic buying have severely impacted gig and platform workers across Telangana. Long queues are reducing daily earnings and increasing working hours and stress. Many are struggling to sustain livelihoods as incentives remain stagnant despite these soaring operational hurdles,” says Shaik Salauddin, Founder President of the Telangana Gig and Platform Workers Union (TGPWU).

Salauddin noted that the entire gig ecosystem including ride-hailing, food delivery, and courier services, is highly sensitive to fuel availability. The shortage of commercial LPG is particularly damaging to the small restaurants that form the backbone of delivery platforms.

The TGPWU has urged Central and State Governments to take immediate steps to ensure an uninterrupted supply of LPG and CNG in urban centres. The union is calling for authorities to prioritize essential transport and delivery workers.

The aggregator companies should support their fleets through transparent communication, temporary incentives, and a moratorium on penalties caused by these unavoidable service disruptions, Salauddin added.