IndyaStory | Business Desk | 2026
Food delivery major Zomato has increased its platform fee by 19.2%, raising it from ₹12.50 to ₹14.90 per order, according to updates visible on its app.
The move comes as the company faces mounting operational costs, largely driven by rising fuel and energy prices.
What’s Behind the Price Increase?
Zomato attributed the latest hike to increasing energy costs, which have been impacted by rising crude oil prices amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Since delivery logistics depend heavily on fuel, any increase in oil prices directly pushes up last-mile delivery expenses.
Impact on Customers
The revised platform fee is expected to make food ordering slightly more expensive for millions of users across India.
While the increase may seem small per order, frequent users could feel the cumulative impact over time.
Not the First Hike
This marks the second platform fee revision by Zomato in recent months, with the previous increase implemented in September 2025.
The continued adjustments suggest a broader effort to align pricing with rising operational costs.
Competition Heats Up
Zomato’s pricing now sits close to its key competitors:
- Swiggy currently charges around ₹14.99 (inclusive of GST)
- magicpin charges approximately ₹14.20 per order
However, magicpin has decided not to increase its fee for now.
Anshoo Sharma, CEO & Founder of magicpin, said the company is holding prices steady to support restaurant partners and keep food delivery accessible during a challenging period.
Business Performance Snapshot
Zomato operates under its parent entity Eternal, alongside:
- Quick commerce platform Blinkit
- B2B supply chain business Hyperpure
Both Blinkit and Hyperpure achieved EBITDA profitability in Q3 FY26, marking a positive milestone for the group.
Strong Revenue Growth
Despite cost pressures, Eternal reported strong financial performance:
- Adjusted revenue rose 64% year-on-year to ₹16,315 crore
- Revenue also grew 20% sequentially from ₹13,590 crore in the previous quarter
On the consumer side, its business recorded:
- Net Order Value (NOV) of ₹25,732 crore
- A 55% increase compared to last year
Industry-Wide Pressure
The food delivery sector is currently navigating multiple challenges:
- Rising fuel and logistics costs
- Competitive pricing pressures
- Need for sustainable profitability
Companies are increasingly balancing between maintaining affordability for users and managing operational expenses.
Final Take
Zomato’s latest fee hike reflects the growing cost pressures across India’s food delivery ecosystem. While competitors like magicpin are holding prices steady for now, the broader trend suggests that users may continue to see gradual increases in ordering costs.
As competition intensifies, pricing strategies will play a key role in shaping customer loyalty and market share.
