Wolt, the food delivery service, has proposed an increase in commission fees for restaurants following the recent withdrawal of its competitor, Foodora, from the Finnish market at the end of February. Reports indicate that the commission rates could rise from 18% to 21% including value-added tax, a move that many restaurant owners claim could render their operations unprofitable. Henrik Pankakoski, Wolt's Northern Europe manager, noted that discussions concerning commission rates have primarily revolved around a 1% increase, often at the end of contract periods.

Timo Lappi, the CEO of the Finnish hospitality and restaurant association Maran, expressed concern over Wolt's potential monopolistic behavior within the market. He emphasized that regulations concerning market dominance would apply to Wolt, and the Finnish Competition and Consumer Authority is closely monitoring the situation. The agency hopes that Wolt's monopolistic status will be temporary, as the market dynamics shift with the exit of Foodora, which was Wolt’s only significant competitor in Finland.

Following Foodora's departure, many restaurants reported that Wolt has initiated discussions about commission adjustments, raising fears about the sustainability of restaurant operations in light of increased fees. This scenario raises broader questions about market competition in Finland's food delivery sector, highlighting the need for regulatory oversight to ensure fair practices and the viability of local businesses in an increasingly concentrated market.