Ranchi Gig Workers Face Income Crisis Amidst Rising Fuel Prices

Ranchi: Gig workers in Ranchi reported a sharp decline in their earnings, as fuel prices increased for the fourth time on Monday in the past 11 days, raising concerns over the sustainability of their livelihoods.With the latest fuel price hike, petrol price in Ranchi touched Rs 105.75 per litre and diesel reached Rs 100.89 per litre on Tuesday.Delivery executives, ride partners and other app-based service providers said the frequent fuel price hikes have significantly increased their daily operational costs, while their income has remained largely stagnant.“We receive a meagre commission of only Rs 12 per kilometre for deliveries. With petrol prices rising steeply, we are left with barely around Rs 5 per kilometre after expenses. While the company pays us based on the distance covered for deliveries, there is no compensation for the return trips,” said Nitish Pandey, a gig worker.Rajeev Ranjan who works for at least 16 hours a day said that after the fuel hike he is saving just Rs 1,000 a day against Rs 1,200 he earned before the hike. “We have repeatedly urged the company management to revise our compensation in view of the rising fuel prices. However, no action has been taken so far, and we have even been told to quit if we are unable to cope,” Rajeev said.Prateek Mishra, general secretary of Jharkhand state committee of All India Gig Workers Union demanded that an immediate fuel allowance should be provided to all gig workers. “A minimum income guarantee linked to petrol-diesel prices and inflation should be ensured by the companies. Gig workers should be granted worker status along with all labour rights and social security. The rising costs of fuel, vehicle repairs, mobile recharge, rent, and daily necessities have pushed the real income of gig workers to such a level that they are facing a crisis over their ability to sustain their families and even continue working,” Mishra added.