Gig Worker Fee: Will Your Zomato Bill Rise in 2026?

Karnataka passed a law making gig platforms pay a welfare fee for delivery workers. Courts haven't stopped it. This cost may quietly pass on to you through higher delivery charges or platform fees.

Here's what happened: Karnataka's Gig Workers Act 2026 requires platforms like Zomato, Swiggy, and Zepto to pay a welfare contribution for every gig worker on their platform.. The Karnataka High Court refused to pause the law, meaning platforms must deposit welfare fees for April–June 2026 within three weeks.. Major platforms including Zomato, Swiggy, Zepto, and Urban Company are legally challenging the act but currently have no exemption from paying..

What you should do: Watch your delivery app bills closely over the next 2–3 months — any new 'platform fee' or 'service charge' increase is likely linked to this welfare cost.. Compare total order costs across Swiggy, Zomato, and Zepto, as each platform may pass on this fee differently — one may absorb it, another may not.. If you use gig services like Urban Company for home services, ask for itemised billing to spot any new welfare or compliance surcharges being added..

Platforms often hide cost increases inside 'platform fees' rather than raising item prices — check your order breakdown screen, not just the item total.