Ordered food recently and wondered why the total bill felt higher than usual. It’s not just delivery charges or GST anymore. There’s one small line item doing more damage than you think, the platform fee.
What started as a tiny 2 Rs charge has quietly grown into a noticeable cost. And most people don’t even realise how much it has increased.
Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s going on.
How the Platform Fee Grew So Fast
Back in April 2023, Swiggy introduced a platform fee of 2 Rs per order. It was small enough that most users didn’t pay much attention.
A few months later, in August 2023, Zomato also added the same 2 Rs charge.
Things started changing in 2024. By January, Zomato increased its fee to 4 Rs, while Swiggy kept it slightly lower at 3 Rs for some time.
Then came a big jump in October 2024. Both companies raised the platform fee to 10 Rs per order.
The increase didn’t stop there. By September 2025, it went up to 15 Rs. And now, as of March 2026, the platform fee has reached 17.58 Rs (including GST).
In simple terms, this small charge has gone up nearly 9 times in less than three years.
Why Are They Charging More?
There are a few clear reasons behind this steady increase.
It’s Easy Money for the Companies
Unlike delivery fees (which go to the rider), the platform fee mostly stays with the company. This makes it one of their simplest ways to earn more from every order.
Big Spending on Quick Deliveries
Both companies are investing heavily in fast grocery delivery. Zomato owns Blinkit, and Swiggy runs Instamart. These services cost a lot to run, and the extra income helps support them.
People Are Still Ordering Anyway
Food delivery has become a habit for many people, especially in cities. Companies know that a 15 –18 Rs increase won’t stop most users from placing an order.
Costs Are Going Up
Running these apps isn’t cheap; technology, offers, customer support, and operations all cost money. The platform fee helps cover some of these expenses.
Your Bill Will Increase
Let’s say your food order is 200 Rs. By the time you add delivery charges, platform fee, GST, and packaging costs, you might end up paying an extra 60 Rs to 80 Rs.
That’s a big jump for a small order.
Is There Any Cheaper Option?
Some newer players like Rapido are trying to attract users by offering zero platform fees.
But Zomato and Swiggy still have an edge with more restaurant choices and faster delivery in most areas. That’s why many people continue using them despite the higher charges.
