Proposal defended by Lula and Boulos could increase delivery costs – minimum fee of R$ 10 + R$ 2.50 per km traveled threatens the consumer's wallet
The Lula government, through Minister Guilherme Boulos, defends in the delivery app bill a minimum remuneration of R$ 10 per delivery, plus R$ 2.50 per additional kilometer traveled. Critics warn that the extra cost will be passed on to consumers, potentially raising the price of a R$ 30 snack with a 10 km delivery to around R$ 65 (R$ 30 for the snack + R$ 35 fee). The opposition accuses the measure of being a "disguised tax" that increases the daily cost for Brazilians, while the government denies that it is a new charge to the customer.
- Proposal defended by Lula and Boulos could increase delivery costs – minimum fee of R$10 + R$2.50 per km traveled threatens the consumer's pocket. Brasília, March 14, 2026 – The Lula government's proposal to regulate work through delivery apps, defended by Minister Guilherme Boulos, includes A minimum payment of R$10 per delivery and an additional R$2.50 per kilometer traveled. The measure, under discussion in Congress as part of the transportation app bill, has generated concern among consumers and criticism from the opposition, which points to the risk of a significant increase in the final price of delivery. Currently, platforms like iFood pay an average of R$7.50 as a minimum for deliveries up to 4 km, with R$1.50 per additional km. The government wants to raise the minimum to R$10 and the additional amount to R$2.50 per km.
- Critics estimate that, for a 10 km delivery, the extra cost paid to the delivery person would reach R$ 35 (R$ 10 base + R$ 25 per km), which could be passed on to the customer, raising a R$ 30 snack to around R$ 65 – not counting fees already charged by the apps. Viral posts on social media, including memes with the "X-Tudo" (a type of Brazilian sandwich), warn that "the snack will become more expensive than the minimum wage." The opposition, led by deputies like Nikolas Ferreira (PL-MG), accused the government of creating a disguised "Lula tax," comparing it to the "blouse tax" episode. "Once again, the people are paying the bill," said a Bolsonaro-supporting parliamentarian.
- Minister Boulos countered the criticism as "fake news" and "economic terrorism," stating that the measure aims only to improve the remuneration of delivery people and that the costs would be absorbed by the platforms, not passed on to the consumer. “It has never been so easy to stay well informed,” he ironically stated in a video, denying that there is a new fee for the customer. However, industry analysts warn that, historically, cost increases for delivery drivers are passed on via freight adjustments or reduced promotions. The rapporteur of the bill in the Chamber resists the R$ 10 floor and maintains a proposal of R$ 8.50 minimum, citing regional differences and the risk of unemployment.
- Delivery apps must present a counter-proposal by this Friday (13). If approved as the government wants, the measure could impact millions of daily orders, especially in large cities where average distances exceed 5-10 km. The discussion reflects the clash between worker protection and the cost of living for the consumer, in a country where delivery has become essential in the post-pandemic era. While the government defends “dignity for the delivery driver,” critics warn of the risk of “killing accessible delivery.”
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