A parliamentary drive has been launched to regulate food delivery applications in Bahrain amid growing concerns over high delivery charges and commissions that legislators say are placing unnecessary pressure on consumers and restaurant owners.
A proposal submitted by five MPs led by Jalal Kadhem Al Mahfoodh was presented to Parliament Speaker Ahmed Al Musallam last night, and has been referred to Parliament’s financial and economic affairs committee for review in co-ordination with the Industry and Commerce Ministry.
The proposal seeks the introduction of a clear regulatory framework governing the operation of delivery platforms to ensure a fair balance between consumers, restaurants and delivery companies while promoting transparency and healthy competition.
Mr Al Mahfoodh said the rapid expansion of online food delivery services has transformed the retail and restaurant sector, making regulation essential to protect all parties involved.
“Delivery applications have become an integral part of daily life and an important pillar of the digital economy, but the sector has expanded much faster than the regulations governing it,” he said.
“We are seeking balanced rules that protect consumers from excessive delivery charges, support restaurants facing high commissions and at the same time allow delivery companies to continue operating within a fair and competitive environment.”
He noted that several GCC countries had already introduced successful regulatory measures to control delivery fees and commissions imposed on restaurants.
“There are valuable regional experiences that deserve careful study,” Mr Al Mahfoodh said. “Bahrain can benefit from these best practices while adopting a model that suits the nature of our local market.”
According to the proposal, regulating the sector would help reduce financial burdens on customers while strengthening the competitiveness of restaurants, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises that often struggle with rising operating costs and commission rates charged by digital platforms.
The MPs argue that clearer rules would also improve transparency by ensuring that pricing structures, commissions and service fees are more visible to both businesses and customers.
Mr Al Mahfoodh stressed that supporting the restaurant sector was vital because of its contribution to the national economy and employment.
“Restaurants, especially small and medium-sized businesses, are important contributors to economic activity and deserve an environment that enables them to grow rather than face mounting operational costs,” he said.
“Fair competition ultimately benefits everyone, from businesses and delivery companies to consumers who rely on these services every day.”
He urged the relevant government authorities to review the current operating mechanisms of delivery platforms and introduce balanced regulations that keep pace with Bahrain’s growing digital economy.
“Our objective is not to restrict innovation but to ensure that technological progress is accompanied by fairness, transparency and consumer protection,” Mr Al Mahfoodh added. “A well-regulated sector will create greater confidence, support sustainable growth and provide long-term stability for Bahrain’s restaurant and delivery industries.”
The financial and economic affairs committee is expected to study the proposal in consultation with the Industry and Commerce Ministry before presenting its recommendations to Parliament.
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