CCPA warns hotels against levying LPG and fuel surcharges

The Central Consumer Protection Authority has directed hotels and restaurants not to levy additional charges such as LPG charges, gas surcharge or fuel cost recovery by default in bills. Consumers can report violations through the National Consumer Helpline or e-Jagriti portal.

Hyderabad: Taking serious note of additional charges such as “LPG charges”, “gas surcharge” and “fuel cost recovery” being levied in bills, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) on Wednesday directed hotels and restaurants not to levy such charges by default or automatically in the bill. The authority warned that violations will invite strict action.

The CCPA has observed, based on grievances received on the National Consumer Helpline (NCH), and media reports, that certain hotels and restaurants were levying such charges in the consumer bill by default, over and above the price of food and beverages displayed in the menu and applicable taxes.

---

The price displayed in the menu will be the final price, exclusive only of applicable taxes, it said, adding that consumers should not be misled or compelled to pay any additional charge, which is not voluntary in nature.

The CCPA asked the consumers to request the hotel or restaurant to remove the charges – “LPG charges”, “gas surcharge” and “fuel cost recovery” – in the bill.

Consumers were asked to lodge a complaint on the national consumer helpline by calling 1915 or through the NCH mobile app. A complaint can also be filed before the appropriate Consumer Commission through the e-Jagriti portal, district collector, or directly to the CCPA.