Cab, auto strike in Delhi-NCR: Unions seek meeting with Delhi, commuters face difficulties

It should be noted that the strike coincides with a fresh increase in fuel prices across the country. In Delhi, petrol prices rose by 87 paise to Rs 98.64 per litre, while diesel prices increased by 91 paise to Rs 91.58 per litre, adding further pressure on commercial drivers already grappling with rising operational costs.

On why they are holding the strike, the transport unions said that rising prices of CNG, petrol and diesel, along with increasing expenses related to vehicle maintenance, permits, insurance, fitness certificates and other necessities, have placed drivers under severe financial pressure.

The transport activity remained largely normal in several parts of Delhi in the morning time, however, the disruptions in app-based cab services may become more visible later in the day if more transport unions join the strike.

Visuals from Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar (SGT Nagar) showed empty roads as Taxi and Auto Unions have announced a three-day strike from 21-23 May in Delhi, demanding an immediate hike in their fares amid the rising fuel prices.

Visuals from Anand Vihar Terminus showed general commuters being impacted as Taxi and Auto Unions have announced a three-day strike from 21-23 May in Delhi, demanding an immediate hike in their fares amid the rising fuel prices.

Visuals from Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) showed passengers being impacted as Taxi and Auto Unions have announced a three-day strike from 21-23 May in Delhi, demanding an immediate hike in their fares amid the rising fuel prices.

Amid strike in Delhi-NCR, general commuters faced difficulties at New Delhi Railway Station. The strike till May 23 is against the Delhi government's decision to hike the environment compensation cess on commercial vehicles.

Visuals from Sanjay Gandhi Transport Nagar (SGT Nagar) as Taxi and Auto Unions have announced a three-day strike from 21-23 May in Delhi, demanding an immediate hike in their fares amid the rising fuel prices.

Apart from demanding an immediate fare revision, transport unions have also sought a formal meeting with the Delhi government to discuss long-term policy measures for commercial vehicle drivers, reported news agency ANI.

The strike till May 23 is against the Delhi government's decision to hike the environment compensation cess on commercial vehicles. According to a statement issued by the union, the strike opposes the "unjust and unfair policies imposed by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), courts and the Delhi government on the transport sector."

Major transporters' bodies announce a three day strike across Delhi NCR from May 21, opposing the Delhi government's decision to increase the environment compensation cess on commercial vehicles. Visuals show parked trucks and autorickshaws at Ramlila ground in Delhi during the strike call.

Anuj Kumar Rathore, vice-president of the Chaalak Shakti Union, said that due to the continuously increasing prices of CNG, petrol and diesel, middle-class drivers are struggling to support their families. "Therefore, in coordination with other organisations of Delhi, the 'Chaalak Shakti Union' has called for a 'chakka jam' and appealed not to operate vehicles on May 21, 22 and 23," he said. Six auto rickshaw unions have distanced themselves from the strike.

The Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transport Association has distanced itself from the strike and said it will cooperate in "national interest". "The association believes that the country is currently facing serious challenges due to rising international oil and gas prices. At such a time, it is important to cooperate in the national interest rather than inconvenience the general public," Sanjay Samrat, president, Delhi Taxi and Tourist Transport Association, said.

The strike called by the truckers, private buses, taxi and maxi cab operators is being supported by as many as 68 transport associations and unions across Delhi-NCR, according to the organisers. They have announced a suspension of services for three days from May 21 to May 23.

   • Availability of app-based cab services such as Uber and Ola
    • Commercial taxi operations across Delhi-NCR
    • Peak-hour local transport connectivity

The protesting taxi and auto unions in Delhi have demanded an immediate hike in fares, warning of a large-scale protest if their demands are not met. "If the government does not immediately increase taxi fares and issue a notification within one or two weeks, this movement will be intensified into a large-scale protest, for which the Delhi government solely would be responsible," the union said. 

Over 4 lakh registered taxi owners are expected to support the strike and refrain from taking rides during these days. The auto and taxi unions have warned that if the Delhi government does not issue a notification increasing taxi fares within the next two weeks, the agitation will be intensified.

The union has put forward a list of demands, including the withdrawal of the hike in cess imposed on all Delhi-bound goods vehicles, immediate rollback of the proposed ban on entry of non-Delhi registered BS-IV commercial goods vehicles from November 1, 2026, and restricting the cess only to those vehicles passing through Delhi.

Taxi driver Narendra Tiwari says, “The condition is very bad as the prices have decreased. Rapido was paying Rs 30 per km from 18 to 25 April, which has now been reduced to Rs 15-16… We are protesting from 21-23, so let’s see what will happen…”

Taxi driver Dinesh Kumar says, “There is no price in the market… We do not even get many rides… I would appeal to the government to pay some attention to the taxi fares as well…”

A three-day-long strike announced by transport unions started in Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR) on Thursday, impacting the commuters and disrupting travel plans. The strike by the All India Motor Transport Congress (AIMTC), is demanding a fare hike and rollback of the Delhi government's decision to hike the environment compensation cess.