Food delivery major Zomato has increased its platform fee to ₹14.90 per order, making online food ordering slightly more expensive for users across India. The move highlights the company’s continued efforts to strengthen its revenue model while managing rising operational costs in a competitive market.
Fee increased by ₹2.40 per order
The latest revision marks an increase of ₹2.40 from the earlier fee of around ₹12.50 per order. The platform fee is a fixed charge added to every order, separate from delivery charges, GST, and restaurant pricing. Though the hike may appear small at first glance, it directly impacts the final bill, especially for customers who frequently order food online.
Focus on profitability and cost management
Zomato has been steadily increasing its platform fee over the past two years as part of its broader monetisation strategy. Initially introduced in 2023 at just ₹2 per order, the fee has gradually increased in multiple phases.
Impact on customer behaviour
The increase in platform fees is expected to influence ordering habits, particularly among price-sensitive users. With additional costs like delivery fees, packaging charges, and taxes already included in most orders, even a small rise can make a noticeable difference in the total amount paid.
Over time, repeated fee hikes may lead some users to reduce the frequency of orders or look for discounts and offers before placing orders.
Industry trend gaining momentum
Zomato’s latest move reflects a broader trend in India’s food delivery market, where platforms are increasingly focusing on sustainable growth and profitability. Competitors like Swiggy have also experimented with similar fee structures in recent times.
As the industry matures, users can expect more such pricing adjustments, indicating a shift from aggressive expansion to a more balanced approach focused on long-term financial stability.