Volt App Overcharges for Groceries, Investigation Finds

An investigation by C14 has revealed that the food delivery app, Volt, significantly inflates prices on basic grocery items, often by tens or even hundreds of percent, compared to major supermarket chains. These inflated prices are evident even before factoring in delivery fees, service charges, and tips.

The investigation compared prices on Volt with those offered by online branches of supermarkets like Shufersal and Mahsaney Hashuk. For example, Samir Tzur hummus, priced at 16.50 shekels on Shufersal Online, costs 18.90 shekels on Volt. Similarly, Hararit Amba, also 16.50 shekels on Shufersal, is 18.90 shekels on Volt. A red cabbage salad from Tzur, listed at 15.50 shekels on Shufersal, is 18.90 shekels on Volt. Herring fillet, priced at 22.90 shekels on Shufersal, is 25.90 shekels on Volt. A 750-gram jar of Nutella, available for 31.90 shekels on Mahsaney Hashuk Online, is sold for 36.90 shekels on Volt.

C14 argues that these price discrepancies indicate systematic overcharging by the app, making it an unfavorable option for Israeli consumers already struggling with the high cost of living, especially when delivery and service fees are added.

A spokesperson for Volt stated that prices on the platform are determined solely by the businesses themselves. They added that Volt offers a wide selection of supermarkets and products at various price points, with all prices being transparent to consumers to allow for informed comparison and choice.