The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has given strict instructions to hotels and restaurants across the country not to add additional charges, such as LPG charges, gas charges or fuel cost recovery, to customer bills. CCPA has deemed this an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and warned of legal action against violators. That means, if this happens to you in a restaurant, you can complain.
LPG and Fuel Charge: Unfair Trade Practice
The CCPA said some hotels and restaurants are charging additional fees to customer bills over and above the menu price and applicable taxes. This behavior is unethical and illegal. The CCPA clarified that businesses must include their operational expenses in the price of their menus and not pass them on to customers separately.
Only menu prices and taxes apply
The customer has to pay only the price shown on the menu plus applicable taxes. Any additional charges may not be automatically added to the bill. Based on such complaints made on National Consumer Helpline (NCH) and social media, it was found that some hotels and restaurants are including LPG, gas and fuel charges in the bill.
Law and surveillance
This instruction has been issued under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. CCPA said these practices are being monitored across the country and strict action will be taken if violations are found.
how to complain
First, customers can request to remove additional charges from the bill.
If not resolved, complaint can be sent directly to National Consumer Helpline 1915, Mobile App, e-Jagriti Portal or District Collector/CCPA.