CCPA Flags ‘LPG Charges’ and Fuel Surcharges by Hotels, Calls It Unfair Trade Practice
New Delhi, March 25, 2026 – The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has raised concerns over hotels and restaurants levying additional charges such as “LPG charges,” “gas surcharge,” and “fuel cost recovery” on customer bills, terming the practice unfair and misleading.The advisory, issued by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, stated that such charges are often automatically added to bills to bypass existing rules on service charges. The authority has directed establishments to stop levying these fees by default.
The CCPA warned that violations could invite strict action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. The move follows multiple complaints received through the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) and media reports highlighting the growing trend.
According to the regulator, such charges lack transparency and impose unjustified costs on consumers. It clarified that operational expenses like fuel, LPG, and electricity are part of running a business and should be included in menu prices, not charged separately.
The CCPA emphasized that menu prices should be final, excluding only applicable taxes, and consumers must not be misled or forced to pay additional charges that are not voluntary.
The advisory also reiterated that such fees, regardless of their name, are similar to service charges, and their automatic imposition violates guidelines issued on July 4, 2022.
The authority said it is closely monitoring compliance nationwide and will take necessary action to protect consumer interests.
Consumers who encounter such charges can request removal from the bill or lodge complaints via the National Consumer Helpline (1915), its mobile app, the e-Jagriti portal, or by approaching consumer commissions and district authorities.
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