G20 Summit: Delivery platforms stock fewer items ahead of curbs
dark stores in view of three-day restrictions announced for the G-20 Summit even as they try to convince the authorities to exclude delivery personnel from the curbs.
These companies are also expecting a business impact ahead of the closure period from September 8-10 as well given the traffic restrictions in and around central Delhi, industry insiders said.
«We are stocking our dark stores with fewer items for the coming week,» an executive at a quick commerce platform said on condition of anonymity. «Delivery of groceries like milk and vegetables has been allowed but there is a worry that delivery personnel might face difficulties in moving around.»
The person said «Movement of delivery people as well as demand is getting impacted» due to the restrictions.
Food and grocery delivery platforms operating in the capital include Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Zepto, Swiggy Instamart and BigBasket's BB Now.
«Business will be hit,» Rashmi Daga, founder and chief executive of cloud kitchen platform Freshmenu, said.
«We have three kitchens in the restricted areas, which will be shut during the three days. But even before that we are expecting lesser revenues because traffic restrictions keep happening,» she told ET.
«At least, this hasn't come as a shock, so there is time to prepare for it to reduce wastage,» Daga added.
Restaurants and food and grocery delivery companies are continuing their dialogue with the Delhi government and Delhi Police to have food delivery personnel excluded from the restrictions.
However, a person aware of the discussions said the city administration and police have alluded to potential security concerns with free movement of delivery personnel in the controlled areas.
