Restaurants across Bengaluru have alleged mounting financial losses due to hidden discounts reportedly applied by Swiggy and Zomato without prior approval.
Several owners say the discounts were activated automatically, reducing order values and affecting already thin profit margins.
Restaurant owners voice anger
Nikhil Agarwal, owner of Bamey’s in Koramangala, said he discovered an ₹80 discount being applied on Swiggy orders without his consent.
He claimed similar issues were faced on Zomato, where discounts of up to 40 per cent allegedly appeared multiple times over several months.
Owners say they are often forced to manually log in and disable offers, only for them to reappear later.
‘Never-ending cycle’ of offers
Some restaurateurs alleged that if a promotional deal is activated on one platform, the competing platform quickly introduces a matching or higher offer without approval.
They say requests to remove such discounts often lead to delays, confusion and repeated coordination problems.
NRAI seeks transparency
National Restaurant Association of India Bengaluru chapter representatives said complaints have been increasing from members across the city.
Industry concerns reportedly include unauthorised discounts, ad spends without consent, rising commissions, unexplained deductions and delayed payments.
Restaurant associations are now seeking a transparent, consent-based and accountable system for partner businesses.
Losses run into lakhs
One Bengaluru restaurant operator claimed losses of ₹13 lakh linked to auto-applied discounts, adding that partial refunds were received only after prolonged follow-up.
Some owners have since chosen to delist their outlets from certain platforms.
Platforms yet to comment
The report stated that both companies had declined comment on the allegations.
The issue highlights rising tensions between food delivery platforms and restaurants over fairness, pricing control and long-term sustainability.#Bengaluru #Swiggy #Zomato #Restaurants #BusinessNews #newskarnataka