If Hotels and Restaurants Are Adding LPG Charges to Your Bill, Here’s How to File an Immediate Complaint—Know the Full Process

LPG Surcharge: To provide relief to consumers, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued clear directives to hotels and restaurants, instructing them to stop automatically adding additional fees—such as LPG charges—to their bills.

LPG Surcharge: To provide relief to consumers, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued clear directives to hotels and restaurants, instructing them to stop automatically adding additional fees—such as LPG charges or gas surcharges—to their bills. This decision was taken following numerous complaints in which individuals reported that such charges were being added to their dining bills without prior intimation, over and above the listed menu prices and applicable taxes.

What Has Changed for Consumers Now?

According to the new directives, no customer can now be compelled to pay such additional fees. Restaurants must ensure that the price displayed on the menu covers the entire cost of the food item. Furthermore, only applicable taxes may be added separately. This means that adding any additional amount to the bill under the guise of a "fuel charge" or a similar nomenclature will now be deemed a violation of the rules.

Why Was This Decision Taken?

According to the CCPA, restaurants in many locations were attempting to circumvent regulations by levying such charges. They were effectively collecting the same additional fees—albeit under different names and through various methods. Complaints consistently received via the National Consumer Helpline, as well as various media reports, revealed that charges such as "fuel recovery" or "gas charges" were being appended to the final bill without any prior disclosure to the customer. Under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, such practices are classified as "unfair trade practices," as they undermine transparency and impose an undue financial burden on consumers.

What Should You Do If You Spot Such a Charge on Your Bill?

If you encounter such a charge at a hotel or restaurant, you can immediately request that it be removed from your bill. In many instances, simply pointing this out is sufficient to have the bill rectified. If the issue persists, you may register a complaint by calling the National Consumer Helpline at 1915 or by escalating the matter to the relevant authorities.

Can You Also File a Complaint Online? If hotels or restaurants levy a service charge on you, you can file a complaint online. You can register your complaint by visiting the e-Jagriti portal. Following this, your grievance will be resolved as expeditiously as possible.

Notwithstanding this regulation, taxes—such as GST—will continue to apply as before. Restaurants are free to determine the prices of their food items; however, all operational costs must be factored into these prices upfront. The subsequent addition of any separate, extra fees will not be permissible.

This directive is viewed as a step toward the stricter enforcement of previously issued guidelines. In the near future, punitive action may also be taken against those who fail to comply with these regulations.