Food delivery platform Zomato has increased the platform fee it charges users per order by Rs 2.40, taking the levy to Rs 14.90 (pre-GST), according to details on its app. The hike marks the latest round of increase since the last revision in September 2025.
The platform fee, which is separate from delivery charges and restaurant menu prices, now stands at Rs 14.90 before taxes. After including taxes, rival Swiggy is currently charging a platform fee of approximately Rs 14.99 per order. Typically, both companies tend to follow similar pricing trends when it comes to such charges.
| Detail | Previous | New |
|---|---|---|
| Platform Fee (pre-GST) | Rs 12.50 | Rs 14.90 |
| Increase | – | Rs 2.40 |
| Last Hike | September 2025 | March 2026 |
Why the Hike?
The increase comes at a time of rising operational costs for delivery platforms.
- Fuel Prices: Higher crude oil prices amid the ongoing Middle East conflict have added pressure on delivery costs.
- Competitive Pressure: While Zomato and Swiggy have been raising platform fees, new entrants are entering the space. Urban mobility startup Rapido recently launched its food delivery service, Ownly, in Bengaluru, promising not to charge any additional fees apart from a delivery charge.
Impact on Customers
For users, the change means a higher overall bill per order, even before adding GST, delivery charges, and surge pricing. This latest hike is likely to be noticed by customers who have increasingly raised concerns over multiple charges added to food delivery orders.
The Competitive Landscape
The timing of Zomato’s fee hike coincides with new developments in the food delivery space. Rapido’s entry with its no-extra-fee model could put pressure on existing players to justify their multiple charges to a cost-conscious customer base.
