Spot an Extra Charge on Your Restaurant Bill? Complain Immediately; Government Declares LPG Surcharge Illegal

Restaurant LPG Charges: Amidst an LPG crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the government has issued a stern warning to hotels. Restaurants can no longer add a 'Gas Charge' or 'Fuel Surcharge' to their bills. Declaring this practice illegal, the CCPA has issued directives stating that strict legal action will now be taken against any hotels found in violation.

Restaurant LPG Charges: The supply chain for LPG has been severely disrupted due to the ongoing war in the Middle East. Many cities across India are witnessing an acute shortage of gas cylinders, forcing people to stand in long queues. Capitalizing on this crisis, several hotel and restaurant operators had begun adding extra charges—such as an 'LPG Charge' or 'Fuel Cost Recovery' fee—to their customers' bills. The Central Government has now cracked down heavily to put an end to this arbitrary practice.

CCPA States: This is Completely Illegal

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued a stern warning to all hotels and restaurants on Wednesday. The Authority clarified that adding any additional charges to a dining bill under the guise of gas or fuel costs constitutes a violation of the 'Consumer Protection Act, 2019.' The government has officially designated this as an 'Unfair Trade Practice.'

What Are the Government's New Directives?

According to the government's new advisory, the final bill must be generated strictly based on the prices listed in the menu. Only applicable taxes may be added to this amount.

The CCPA asserts that gas, electricity, and other operational expenses constitute the fundamental costs of running any business. Rather than levying these separately, they should be factored into the price of each dish at the time it is set. If any restaurant attempts to forcibly collect extra charges under the pretext of a 'gas surcharge' or 'fuel recovery' fee, they will face heavy fines and strict legal action.

What Should You Do If You Are Charged Extra? If your bill displays an ‘LPG Charge’ in addition to the cost of food and taxes, you can immediately demand that it be removed. If the restaurant refuses to comply, you can register your complaint with the National Consumer Helpline (1915) or utilize the e-Daakhil portal.