Consumer Protection Authority Restricts Hotels From Adding LPG Charges in Food Bill

In an effort to prevent unfair trade practices, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has recently issued an advisory directing that hotels or restaurants cannot impose “LPG charges” in the invoice.

The advisory comes after the authority received complaints and media reports on the National Consumer Helpline citing the extra charges levied by the hotels in the food bill towards “LPG Charges,” “Gas Surcharge,” “Fuel Cost Recovery,” and “Gas Crisis Charge.” These extra charges were added in addition to the total price of the food items mentioned in the menu and applicable taxes.

CCPA referred to its guidelines issued in 2022 on the levy of service charge, which clearly state that no extra charges should be added other than the said price. Doing the same would be an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

The authority explained that the input costs, like fuel, LPG, and electricity, must be added to the pricing of the menu items rather than being added separately by default. The authority said that levying any such extra charges over and above the price of food and beverages violates CCPA guidelines on service charges.

Now, the authority has clearly directed that restaurants and hotels must not add such charges automatically or by default to the bill. The menu price should be the final amount, except for applicable taxes.

#NewsFlash | Advisory to prevent unfair trade practices and protection of consumer interest with regard to levy of “LPG Charges”, “Gas Charges”, or similar charge in hotels and restaurants.@PetroleumMin @MIB_India @DG_PIB #LPGCharges pic.twitter.com/vCOE5IPMcJ

— DD News (@DDNewslive) March 25, 2026