Baghdad restaurants shut down delivery app orders over ‘high’ commissions

BAGHDAD — A group of well-known Baghdad restaurants launched a three-day strike Thursday, halting orders on delivery services in protest against commissions imposed by delivery platforms that can reach 27% per order.

The move marks the first confrontation of its kind between restaurants and delivery apps in the capital. Among the major platforms operating in Baghdad are Talabat, Toters, Talabatey and Baly.

Anas al-Sarraf, head of the Iraqi Restaurants Association, said the strike aimed “to confront the high rates imposed by delivery companies, which reach up to 27 percent of the value of each order.” Participating restaurants include Kebab Al-Badawi, Falafel Lebanon, West Burger, Firefly, Heroes Burger, Mandi & Shawaya and Dhulou’ Al-Jadriya, spread across both Karkh and Rusafa.

A source involved in advertising services at several restaurants told 964media that Sarraf is himself the owner of the West Burger chain and Baghdad Restaurants Guide, and that the strike covers only restaurants affiliated with the association. “Many well-known restaurants did not boycott delivery applications,” the source said.

The protest comes as food prices rise. Annual inflation reached 2.2% in March 2026, with fruit prices up 12.3% and dairy, cheese and eggs rising 8%, according to official statistics. Monthly inflation for March stood at 1.6%.