Archive · 23 Jul 2026
CCI Rejects Dominance Abuse Complaint Against Eternal
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) recently rejected a complaint against Eternal, a food delivery platform, for allegedly charging too much and using a pricing trick called drip pricing.
The complainant thought Eternal was being unfair by charging high platform fees and making menu prices higher than in restaurants.
However, the CCI explained that online food delivery is different from eating in a restaurant, and the extra charges are for services like delivery and using the platform.
The CCI also said that drip pricing, where some charges are shown later, is not a problem because customers can see all the charges before they decide to buy.
The CCI concluded that Eternal's practices are not unfair or against competition rules.
CCI rejected a complaint against Eternal for alleged abuse of dominant position.
Pricing differences between online and physical restaurants are due to different business models.
CCI found that drip pricing does not raise competition issues as charges are disclosed before the order.
Complainant's comparison of a single food item was deemed misleading by the CCI.
Eternal's pricing model includes platform fees, delivery fees, and commissions from restaurant partners.
- Who
- Competition Commission of India (CCI) and Eternal (formerly Zomato)
- What
- Rejection of a complaint against Eternal for alleged abuse of dominant position
- When
- Thursday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- India
- Why
- CCI found no anti-competitive conduct in Eternal's pricing model and drip pricing practices.
Complainant's Perspective
CCI's Perspective
Pricing Differences
Complainant's Perspective
The complainant argued that Eternal's pricing model, including platform fees and inflated menu prices, constitutes abuse of dominance.
CCI's Perspective
The CCI stated that pricing differences are due to the distinct nature of online and physical restaurant business models and do not constitute anti-competitive conduct.
Drip Pricing
Complainant's Perspective
The complainant likely considered drip pricing as deceptive and anti-competitive.
CCI's Perspective
The CCI held that drip pricing does not raise competition issues as charges are disclosed before the order is placed and consumers can accept or reject the item.
- Complainant's Claim
- Alleged abuse of dominance by Eternal through excessive platform fees and inflated menu prices.
- CCI's Decision
- Rejected the complaint, stating no anti-competitive conduct.
- Pricing Model
- Online platforms charge platform fees, delivery fees, and commissions from restaurant partners.
- Drip Pricing
- Charges are disclosed before the order is placed, and consumers can accept or reject the item.
- Sample Comparison
- Complainant used a single, low-priced food item to argue price differences, which CCI found misleading.