CCPA BARS ‘LPG CHARGES’ IN HOTEL, RESTAURANT BILLS

New Delhi, Mar 26, 2026 : The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Wednesday issued an advisory prohibiting hotels and restaurants from levying additional charges such as “LPG charges”, “gas surcharge”, or “fuel cost recovery” in consumer bills, terming the practice an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

The authority said it has taken note of complaints received through the National Consumer Helpline and media reports indicating that such charges are being added by default, over and above menu prices and applicable taxes. It observed that the practice lacks transparency and imposes unjustified costs on consumers.

In its advisory issued under Section 10 of the Act, the CCPA clarified that input costs such as LPG, fuel, electricity, and other operational expenses are part of a business’s pricing structure and must be included in the listed price of food and beverages. Recovering these costs through separate mandatory charges, it said, violates consumer rights.

The authority further noted that such charges are being introduced under different names to bypass existing guidelines on service charges. It reiterated that any additional fee imposed automatically—regardless of its nomenclature—would be treated as a violation of its earlier guidelines issued on July 4, 2022.

As per the advisory, hotels and restaurants must ensure that:

•No fuel-related charges are added automatically to customer bills

•The price displayed on the menu remains final, excluding only applicable taxes

•Consumers are not misled or compelled to pay non-voluntary charges

The CCPA has warned that violations may invite strict action under the provisions of the Act.

For grievance redressal, consumers can request removal of such charges from their bill, or file complaints via the National Consumer Helpline by dialling 1915 or through its mobile app. Complaints can also be lodged on the e-Jagriti portal, with the relevant Consumer Commission, or directly with the district administration or the CCPA.

The authority said it is closely monitoring such practices nationwide and will take appropriate action against establishments found violating consumer protection norms.