Hotels & restaurants charging ‘LPG fees’ amid crisis? Here’s what you can do

Taking serious note, the CCPA has issued a fresh advisory under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act 2019 directing that no such charges shall be levied automatically and warned that violations may invite strict action.

It clarified that input costs such as fuel, LPG, electricity and other operational expenses are part of the cost of running a business and must be factored into the pricing of menu items.

“The present practice of levying “LPG charges” or similar charges is an attempt to circumvent the aforesaid guidelines by adopting a different nomenclature. Recovery of such costs through separate mandatory charges constitutes an unfair trade practice under Section 2(47) of the Act,” it said.

Facing extra LPG charges at hotels and restaurants? Here’s what you can do

If a customer face LPG charges, gas surcharges or fuel cost recovery fees in their bill, they should first ask the hotel or restaurant to remove the charge. If they refuses, a complaint can be lodged with the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) by calling 1915 or through the NCH mobile app.

Apart from these, the customers can also file a complaint before the appropriate Consumer Commission through the e-Jagriti portal, or submit a complaint to the District Collector or the CCPA.