As elections and harvest season approach, gig worker shortages are impacting quick commerce and delivery platforms in India, with daily active workers down 10-12% from early 2026 levels. This shortage coincides with the Indian Premier League (IPL) season, traditionally a peak demand period for delivery services. Companies like Zepto and Urban Company are experiencing service delays, with some delivery slots going dark in major cities such as Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. Hiring platforms predict a 25% increase in demand for gig workers in the coming months, exacerbated by seasonal migration back to hometowns. To combat workforce shortages, platforms are increasing incentives, including retention bonuses and higher payouts per order. However, experts note that the current incentive increases may not match previous years' levels of around 15%. Additionally, delivery riders are reporting significant drops in savings due to rising living costs, with some now saving only ₹3,000-4,000 per month compared to ₹7,000 previously.