Zomato Boosts Platform Fee To Rs 10 For Online Food Orders Ahead Of Diwali

In a move that comes just before the festive season, Zomato has announced an increase in its platform fee, now costing customers Rs 10 for every online food order. This adjustment represents a significant escalation from the previous charge of Rs 6, marking a 60 percent hike. This change is part of a series of increases that Zomato has implemented over the past year, making the cost of ordering food online more burdensome for its users.

The company has explained that this adjustment is necessary to handle the surge in operational costs and maintain quality service during Diwali's high demand period. According to Zomato, this fee is essential for ensuring that customers continue to receive smooth service despite the increased number of orders typically seen during the festive season. Consequently, Zomato patrons will now face a platform fee of Rs 10 on top of other costs such as GST, restaurant prices, and delivery charges.

Zomato's platform fee has seen several increases within a year, starting from a nominal Re 1 and moving to Rs 2, Rs 3, and then Rs 4 in early 2023. The fee was later raised to Rs 6 per order before reaching the current rate of Rs 10 per order. This pattern of fee hikes, especially ahead of the Diwali festivities, appears to be a strategic move by the online food delivery giant to manage the anticipated rise in orders.

Notably, Zomato is not alone in imposing a platform fee, as its main competitor, Swiggy, also charges a fee for its services, currently at Rs 6.50 per order. These additional charges significantly increase the cost of food delivery, making the convenience of ordering online more expensive for consumers. This trend of rising platform fees highlights the growing expenses associated with online food delivery services in India.

As the festive season approaches, customers looking to enjoy the convenience of ordering food online will need to account for these increased costs. With platform fees becoming a standard practice among food delivery services, the landscape of online food ordering is witnessing a shift towards higher operational costs being passed on to consumers.