The “duopoly” of Indian food delivery has struck again. Just days after Zomato (now operated under the parent name Eternal Ltd) hiked its base platform fee, Swiggy has responded with an even steeper increase, pushing the cost of convenience to a new high.
The Price Hike Breakdown
As of March 24, 2026, both platforms have adjusted their per-order levies. While the base numbers look similar, the final impact on your bill differs due to how taxes are applied.
| Platform | New Fee (Base) | Effective Fee (with 18% GST) | Status |
| Swiggy | ₹17.58 | ₹17.58 (Inclusive) | Effective Mar 24 |
| Zomato | ₹14.90 | ~₹17.58 (Exclusive) | Effective Mar 20 |
| Magicpin | ₹14.20 | ₹14.20 | No hike planned |
Why the sudden jump?
Industry analysts point to a “perfect storm” of operational pressures:
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The “Middle East Surcharge”: Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has sent crude oil prices soaring to over $110/barrel, significantly inflating the cost of last-mile delivery.
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LPG Crisis: A regional shortage of commercial LPG cylinders has increased overhead for restaurant partners, leading platforms to hike fees to maintain their own margins without further squeezing eateries.
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Profitability Push: Eternal Ltd (Zomato) reported a 73% jump in net profit last quarter; these incremental fee hikes are seen as essential to sustaining that momentum for shareholders.
Market Alternatives
For those looking to avoid the “platform tax,” a few regional and new players are holding their ground:
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Magicpin: Currently the third-largest player, they have publicly “ruled out” a fee hike for now to support restaurant partners.
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Rapido (Ownly): Recently launched city-wide in Bengaluru (March 3, 2026), this platform operates on a zero-commission, zero-platform-fee model, charging only for distance-based delivery.
Note for “Gold” & “One” Members: Even if you have a premium subscription (Zomato Gold or Swiggy One) that offers “Free Delivery,” the Platform Fee remains mandatory and will still appear on every checkout screen.
