Guwahati — The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, issued a fresh advisory ordering hotels and restaurants not to levy extra automatic charges such as “LPG charges”, “gas surcharge” or “fuel cost recovery” on customer bills, calling the practice an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The advisory follows multiple complaints received through the National Consumer Helpline and media reports that such charges are being added automatically on top of menu prices and applicable taxes, often without customers’ explicit consent.
The CCPA said these add‑ons lack transparency and place an unjustified financial burden on consumers. It warned that some businesses may be using alternative labels like “fuel charges” to circumvent rules on compulsory service charges.
The authority clarified that routine operating expenses — including LPG, electricity and other overheads — should already be reflected in menu prices. Adding them separately as mandatory line items, the CCPA said, violates Section 2(47) of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, which defines unfair trade practices.
The advisory makes clear that menu prices should be final, excluding only applicable taxes, and that customers must not be forced or misled into paying additional non‑voluntary charges. It reiterated that any compulsory extra-regardless of the name used-amounts to a service charge and breaches the CCPA’s earlier guidelines issued in July 2022.
Customers who find such charges on their bills can ask the establishment to remove the charge and, if needed, lodge a complaint with the National Consumer Helpline by calling 1915 or using the NCH mobile app. Complaints can also be filed with the appropriate Consumer Commission through the e‑Jagriti portal, reported to the District Collector, or sent directly to the CCPA.
The CCPA said it is monitoring these practices nationwide and cautioned that violations, including the imposition of unauthorized or unfair charges by hotels and restaurants, will invite strict action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
This advisory underscores consumers’ rights against hidden or compulsory add‑ons and reminds businesses that prices displayed must be transparent and final unless lawful taxes apply.
Original Source: https://www.guwahatiplus.com/india/hotels-restaurants-prohibited-from-adding-extra-lpg-charge-to-customer-bills-strict-action-against-violators
Category: India
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Publish Date: 2026-03-25 19:02:00
