New Delhi: The Centre on Wednesday raised concerns over hotels and restaurants adding extra charges such as “LPG charges”, “gas surcharge” and “fuel cost recovery” to customer bills, calling the practice unfair and non-transparent.
In an advisory, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) stated that such charges violate provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and cannot be imposed automatically on consumers.
The authority noted that several establishments are adding these costs over and above menu prices and applicable taxes, without prior disclosure, thereby burdening customers with unjustified expenses.
“Input costs such as fuel, LPG, electricity and other operational expenses are part of the cost of running a business and should already be included in the pricing of food items,” the advisory said, stressing that separate levies lack transparency.
The CCPA warned that violations could invite strict action under the law. It also advised consumers to either request removal of such charges from their bills or lodge complaints through the National Consumer Helpline by dialling 1915.
The move comes amid growing scrutiny of hidden charges in the hospitality sector, with authorities emphasising fair pricing practices and consumer rights protection.
