Food aggregator apps like Zomato often charge GST and restaurant charges, delivery partner fees, and platform fees when the order is placed. These additional cost often causes trouble while buying a low-cost item, causing customers to lash out. One such incident occurred recently, when a customer expressed frustration after allegedly being charged Rs 143 for a cold drink that was priced at just Rs 57.
A Zomato user took to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) and complained about being charged Rs 143 for a Rs 57 cold drink
The customer shared screenshots, one showing the final order bill with the additional cost, and another showing that the actual MRP of the beverage was Rs 57. After adding GST and restaurant charges, delivery charges, platform fees, and donation, the total skyrocketed to Rs 143.
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With the beverage price of Rs 57.14, Zomato added GST and restaurant charges of Rs 43.65, delivery partner fees of Rs 31, platform fees of Rs 10, and a feeding India Donation, Rs 2, amounting to Rs 143.79. The user also mentioned in the post that the restaurant he ordered from is just 1,5 km from his home.
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The post got attention, sparking a fresh debate on food delivery pricing and hidden charges.
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Here is the post
Pepsi cost – 57rs
Out let – only 1.5Km hardly
Total price – 143
Chutiya vutiya ho kya ? 😕 pic.twitter.com/Mo5rcHl8H3
— Naastik 🔥 (@rudrarjpt) May 15, 2025
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Zomato responded to the post with a clarification statement
Zomato Cares clarified that GST is charged by them as per government norms, and restaurant confirmation, restaurant charges are decided by their restaurant partners. Delivery fees are charged to ensure fair compensation for our delivery partners, and the platform fees for convenience and smooth app operations.
They also mentioned that the donations are completely optional and are added only when the ‘Add’ button is tapped. Zomato stated,
Hi there, please note that GST is applicable as per government norms and restaurant confirmation; restaurant charges are decided solely by our restaurant partners; delivery fee helps ensure fair compensation for our delivery partners; platform fee enables us to provide you convenience and smooth app operations and donations are completely optional and are added only when the ‘Add’ button is tapped. Please feel free to DM us in case you have any additional queries!
Hi there, please note that GST is applicable as per government norms and restaurant confirmation; restaurant charges are decided solely by our restaurant partners; delivery fee helps ensure fair compensation for our delivery partners; platform fee enables us to provide you…
— Zomato Care (@zomatocare) May 15, 2025
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This isn’t the first time Zomato has faced backlash over pricing transparency. In some previous instances, customers have raised concerns about “platform fees” and alleged discrepancies between restaurant menu prices and app prices.
Some customers stated that food delivery apps often significantly inflate prices through add-on charges. Few defended the pricing model, citing operational costs like delivery logistics and partner commissions.
As food delivery apps continue to dominate the market, calls for greater transparency in pricing models are growing louder. Consumer rights advocates urge these platforms to provide clearer breakdowns and avoid hidden fees.
Have you ever felt that you are being overcharged by food delivery apps? Let us know in the comments.
