Synopsis: Ordering food online just got more expensive. On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Swiggy raised its mandatory platform fee by 17%, taking it from ₹14.99 to ₹17.58 per order (including GST). This move comes just days after its main rival, Zomato, increased its own fee to the exact same level.

Food Delivery Platform-Fee Hike: Swiggy Now Charges ₹17.58

If you use these apps often, you will notice a small extra charge at the final checkout screen.

While a few rupees might not seem like much for one meal, these fees add up quickly for regular users.

Both companies have now increased this fee multiple times over the last year, moving away from the days of “free or cheap” delivery.

Why are Swiggy and Zomato Raising Fees?

There are three simple reasons why both companies decided to increase their charges this week:

• Rising Costs of Business: The cost of running a delivery business has gone up. High fuel prices (due to global tensions) mean it costs more to move delivery bikes. Additionally, the price of commercial cooking gas (LPG) has risen, putting pressure on the restaurants that work with these apps.
• The “Profitability” Push: For years, these apps gave big discounts to get people used to ordering online. Now, they are focusing on making a profit. Since they process millions of orders every day, even a ₹2 increase helps them earn hundreds of crores in extra revenue each month.
• Maintaining the App: When you check out, Swiggy shows a message saying the fee helps “operate and maintain the platform.” This covers the cost of the technology, the app’s servers, and the customer support team.

How Much More Will You Pay?

Both companies now charge almost exactly the same amount once taxes are added.

Note: Zomato’s base fee is ₹14.90, which becomes ₹17.58 after adding 18% GST.

Also read about India’s Quick Commerce Dominance

Is There Any Alternative?

While Swiggy and Zomato dominate the market, a new competitor called Rapido “Ownly” recently launched in Bengaluru. Unlike the big two, Rapido has promised zero platform fees for now, charging only a basic delivery fee to keep costs lower for customers.

What This Means for You

If you order food 10 times a month, you are now paying about ₹175 extra just in platform fees, before you even count the cost of the food or the delivery partner tip.

As these companies focus more on their stock market performance and less on discounts, users may need to decide if the convenience is still worth the rising cost.

Disclaimer: The views expressed are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial advice. Investing in stocks and IPOs involves significant risk.

forgeup.in is not liable for any financial losses. Always consult a certified investment advisor before making any decisions.