CCPA Issues Advisory Against 'LPG/Gas Charges' In Hotel Bills; Says Such Levies May Amount To Unfair Trade Practice

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued an advisory prohibiting hotels and restaurants from adding extra charges like “LPG charges”, “gas surcharge”, or “fuel cost recovery” to customer bills, stating that such practices are unfair under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

The move comes after multiple complaints that eateries were adding these charges automatically, over and above menu prices and taxes. The CCPA clarified that operational costs such as LPG, fuel, and electricity are part of running a business and must already be included in the price of food items. Charging them separately lacks transparency and misleads consumers.

The authority also emphasized that renaming such charges to bypass rules—similar to past service charge issues—will still be treated as a violation. Menu prices must reflect the final cost (excluding taxes), and no hidden or compulsory charges should be imposed on customers.

Consumers who encounter such charges can ask the restaurant to remove them. If not resolved, they can file complaints through the National Consumer Helpline (1915), approach consumer commissions, or report the matter to district authorities for action.

Click Here To Read/Download The Advisory