Chandigarh, March 20: Zomato has implemented a price hike for its mandatory platform fee, raising the charge from Rs 12.50 to Rs 14.90 per order. The revision, which reflects a nearly 20 percent increase, was observed by users across major metropolitan areas on Friday. This fixed fee is applied to every food delivery transaction, independent of existing taxes or delivery partner charges.
The company stated that the adjustment is part of its ongoing efforts to manage escalating operational expenses. An official update from the platform noted that based on the current economic climate, including rising fuel and logistics costs, the revision is necessary to maintain service quality. Zomato affirmed that the fee helps in sustaining the efficiency of its delivery network during a period of significant inflationary pressure.
Industry analysts indicated that the hike coincides with a broader energy crisis, specifically a shortage in commercial LPG supplies and rising crude oil prices linked to international conflicts. These factors have placed considerable strain on both restaurant partners and the gig workforce. Zomato asserted that the increased costs in the logistics chain are being partially managed through this fee adjustment to ensure business sustainability.
The move follows a similar pricing trend by rival Swiggy, which currently maintains a comparable fee structure in high-demand markets. While the hike adds a marginal cost to each order, it marks a significant shift from the nominal fees introduced when the platform charge was first launched in 2023. Zomato declared that it remains focused on balancing customer affordability with the rising costs of the food-tech ecosystem.
