'How is Zomato allowed to sell Rs 10 water bottles for Rs 100?' asks the man in a viral post; company responds

A social media post by a techie has sparked debate after he claimed to have been charged Rs 100 for a bottled water that usually costs Rs 10. 

The incident reportedly took place at a concert venue where customers were not allowed to bring their own water, leading many to question the fairness of the pricing.

The user named 'Pallab De' took to X (formerly Twitter) to share a photo of his bill for two water bottles and tag Deepinder Goyal-led food delivery giant Zomato. 

“How is Zomato allowed to sell Rs 10 water bottles for Rs 100 at concert venues where no one is allowed to bring their own bottles?” he wrote.

How is @zomato allowed to sell Rs. 10 water bottles for Rs. 100 at concert venues where no one is allowed to bring their own bottles?@VijayGopal_ pic.twitter.com/clQWDcIb7m

— Pallab De (@indyan) December 17, 2024

The post caught public attention as many expressed frustration over high prices charged at entertainment events.

Zomato's responds

In response, Zomato clarified that it was not the event organizer but rather a ticketing partner for the show. “We’re sorry for your experience,” the company wrote in a comment.

“While we weren’t the event organisers but the ticketing partner, we’ve noted your feedback and will ensure it helps us improve our own events moving forward.” 

Hi Pallab, we’re sorry for your experience. While we weren’t the event organizers but the ticketing partner, we’ve noted your feedback and will ensure it helps us improve our own events moving forward.

— Zomato Care (@zomatocare) December 17, 2024

Pallab De continued to tag the organizers, noting that it was Eva Live who, he believes, set the Rs 10 bottle at a Rs 100 price tag.

Tagging @EvaLivein, who were the event organisers and felt that they can sell Rs. 10 bottles for Rs. 100. pic.twitter.com/38y9EEYXyY

— Pallab De (@indyan) December 17, 2024

Netizen reacts

Pallab's post so far has crossed over 465,000 views and drew comments from others who have faced similar situations at concerts and festivals.

This is the same thing @_PVRCinemas does, they will confiscate water bottles, and refuse to give it back. Every PVR will have huge collection water bottles collected, and which is not claimed.

Some PVRs in Bangalore provides free water filters, I have often wondered, are they…

— Nomad Marketer (@nomadmarkter) December 18, 2024

"We brought it at 300 during Diljit Singh concert at Ahmedabad. 🤦🏽‍♂️" a user wrote.

"They forgot to send the bottle with ₹100 MRP. After SC ruling, not to sell above MRP, these guys get into tie up with Bisleri to print higher MRP!" another noted. 

""Going to a movie , concert or a match is like entering the proverbial "Squid Games", won't allow outside stuff and sell everything with 10x markup. They take away your dignity and rights at that metal detector!" a third expressed.