India, May 16 -- The Gig & Platform Service Workers Union (GIPSWU) has called for a nationwide five-hour shutdown of app-based services, demanding higher kilometre-based payment rates from digital platforms and government intervention following the recent hike in petrol, diesel and LPG prices.

In a statement issued yesterday, the union appealed to gig and platform workers associated with various app-based companies to observe a temporary shutdown of services from 12 PM to 5 PM today.

Amid the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia, including disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, oil marketing companies increased petrol and diesel prices by around Rs.3 per litre yesterday, marking one of the first major nationwide fue...