'Petrol ka paisa ho gaya': Delivery rider’s reply after Rs 501 tip on New Year’s Eve moves internet

The post prompted discussions about the working conditions of gig economy workers, particularly during public holidays.

While many marked the arrival of the New Year with celebrations at home, food delivery workers across Indian cities continued operating through the night, fulfilling orders amid peak demand. One such worker, an EatClub delivery rider identified as Bittu, became the focus of widespread online appreciation after a customer shared their interaction on social media.

The account was posted on X by a user identified as @FI_InvestIndia, who said they had placed a food order at 8.34 pm on New Year’s Eve, fully aware that delivery times were likely to be delayed due to the volume of orders. The food arrived around 10 pm.

According to the post, the customer noticed that the delivery rider appeared visibly tense, explaining that he still had approximately 30 orders to complete. Despite the pressure, the rider was described as polite and smiling.

“Even on the last day of the year, while most people are off, here we have a young man delivering with a smile,” the customer wrote.

The customer said they asked Bittu to pause briefly, offered him water and encouraged him to take a moment before continuing with the remaining deliveries. After the rider left, the customer looked up his contact details via the app and transferred Rs 501 through UPI as a New Year gesture, also sending him a message on WhatsApp with holiday wishes.

Bittu’s response, which was shared in the post, struck a chord with readers.

“Very very, thank you so much, sir, mujhe petrol ke liye paisa ho gaya,” he replied, indicating that the amount would help cover fuel expenses so he could continue working.

Reflecting on the interaction, the customer wrote, “These riders are our heroes. They deserve everything because they make our lives easier. No job is small. Riders are an integral part of our daily lives.”

I ordered a simple meal tonight on EatClub at 8.34 PM. I knew it was New Years Night & orders will be packed.

The order came by 10 PM. The delivery boy Bittu was so tensed. He told me that he had another 30 pending orders. It is New Year night. I started thinking - Even on the… pic.twitter.com/LW4ru2oCNK — (@FI_InvestIndia) December 31, 2025

The post gained traction online, prompting discussions about the working conditions of gig economy workers, particularly during public holidays. Several users responded by highlighting how small gestures can have a significant impact.

“Just how much a simple act of kindness like giving them water and offering an extra tip can mean a lot for them,” one user commented.

Another wrote, “Crazy how they have to pay for petrol from their own money. Always thought it was on the company.”

A third added, “This is beautiful. Respect to Bittu and countless others like him. Kindness always finds its way back.”

Others noted the contrast between holiday celebrations and the reality faced by workers who cannot afford to stop working. One comment read, “Some protest for rights, some can’t afford to stop working just to survive. Both realities are true, and both deserve respect.”