In a stern announcement made on Wednesday, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) cautioned hotels and restaurants against imposing extra fees labeled as “LPG charges,” “gas surcharge,” and “fuel cost recovery” in customer bills. This warning follows an advisory based on the Consumer Protection Act, highlighting that such charges often appear by default as a means to bypass established guidelines on service fees. The CCPA emphasized that these additional fees should not be applied automatically and that any violations may prompt “strict action” as they are categorized as “unfair trade practices.”

Consumer Complaints and Regulatory Observations

The authority indicated that numerous complaints filed through the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) and various media reports revealed that specific hotels and restaurants have been adding these charges to bills without prior notification. This practice occurs in addition to the listed prices for food and beverages along with applicable taxes. The CCPA pointed out that businesses are expected to incorporate their operating costs, which include expenses for fuel, LPG, and electricity, into the pricing of menu items.

Final Pricing on Menus

According to the CCPA, the price displayed on menus should represent the total cost, excluding only the applicable taxes. Consumers are not to be misled or pressured into paying any extra fees that are not voluntary. The authority articulated that patrons facing such issues should first request that the unwarranted charge be removed from their bills. Furthermore, complaints can be lodged either by dialing 1915 or via the authority’s mobile application. Additionally, consumers have the option to file a formal complaint with the relevant consumer commission through the e-Jagriti portal.

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