
Food lovers across the country are expressing their frustration after both Zomato and Swiggy announced an increase in their platform fees to ₹10, coinciding with the festive season. This move by India’s leading food delivery apps has sparked outrage among customers, who feel that the rising costs are making ordering food increasingly unsustainable.
Zomato first introduced a platform fee in August 2023, starting at ₹2 per order. By January 2024, this fee had already risen to ₹4, and now it has escalated to ₹10. The platform fee applies universally to all users, including Gold members, and is charged in addition to the existing delivery fees.
On the social media platform X, the announcement of the fee hike has been met with significant backlash. Users have taken to the platform to voice their concerns over the increasing costs associated with food delivery services. Many pointed out that the cumulative fees—such as delivery, GST, and packaging—have made dining in an expensive affair.
One user, finfluencer Ravisutanjani, lamented the transformation of food ordering from a service that once offered free delivery to one laden with various fees. Another user, Snehil, expressed disbelief at the companies’ practices, suggesting it was time to abandon services like Zomato and Swiggy due to their increasingly hidden charges.
Aditya Shah, another frustrated customer, criticized the multiple layers of fees that consumers must navigate, stating, “Pay an inflated cost of food to use the platform. Pay a platform fee to use the platform. Restaurants pay a fee to use the platform. And finally, pay with your health by eating outside food.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, predicting that the platform fees could soon surpass delivery charges, making food delivery less appealing.
As the festive season approaches and demand for food delivery rises, it remains to be seen how these price hikes will impact consumer behavior and whether customers will continue to rely on these platforms amid growing dissatisfaction.
Sources By Agencies