Foodies across India will now have to shell out more for their favorite meals as Zomato has increased its ‘Platform Fee’ by over 19%. Effective from Friday, the aggregator has raised the fee from ₹12.50 to ₹14.90 per order (pre-GST). Including taxes, users will now be paying approximately ₹17.50 as a fixed platform charge, regardless of the order value.

The revision comes amidst rising operational pressures triggered by high global crude oil prices and the ongoing West Asia conflict. Higher fuel costs have directly impacted logistics and delivery expenses, prompting platforms to pass on the costs to consumers. Zomato’s primary rival, Swiggy, already charges a similar fee of around ₹14.99 per order. This hike applies to all customers, including Zomato Gold members.

Since its introduction at just ₹2 in August 2023, the platform fee has seen multiple revisions as companies aim to improve profitability and margins. While competitors like Magicpin have decided to keep their fees steady for now, Zomato’s pan-India hike is expected to significantly increase its daily revenue. However, frequent price hikes may lead price-sensitive customers to explore alternative platforms like ONDC or direct restaurant ordering.