New Delhi: The Central Consumer Protection Authority has raised concerns over hotels and restaurants adding extra charges such as ‘LPG charges’, ‘gas surcharge’, and ‘fuel cost recovery’ to customer bills. The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution said on Wednesday that such practices have been identified as unfair trade practices.

Advisory issued to stop automatic charges

The authority observed that these additional fees are often imposed automatically, allowing establishments to sidestep existing norms governing service charges. It has issued an advisory clearly stating that no such charges should be added by default to bills.

Warning under consumer protection law

According to the ministry, the CCPA has also cautioned that any violation of these directions could attract strict action under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

Complaints trigger action

The move comes after several complaints were received through the National Consumer Helpline, along with media reports indicating that certain establishments were adding these charges in addition to listed menu prices and applicable taxes.

Lack of transparency highlighted

The regulator stated that such practices are not transparent and place an unfair financial burden on consumers. It clarified that costs related to fuel, LPG, electricity, and other operational expenses are part of routine business operations and should already be included in menu pricing.

The authority further stated that recovering these expenses through separate mandatory charges amounts to an unfair trade practice.

Clear directions for pricing

The CCPA has directed that hotels and restaurants must not impose these charges automatically. It emphasised that menu prices should be treated as final, apart from applicable taxes.

It also underlined that consumers must not be misled or forced into paying any additional fee that is not voluntary.

Linked to existing guidelines

The advisory reiterated that such charges, regardless of how they are described, are similar in nature to service charges. Their automatic inclusion would violate the guidelines issued on July 4, 2022.

Monitoring and consumer remedies

The authority said it is closely tracking such practices across the country and will take necessary action to protect consumer interests.

Consumers who come across such charges can ask for them to be removed from their bill. They may also file complaints through the National Consumer Helpline by dialling 1915 or using its mobile application.

Additionally, consumers can approach consumer commissions through the e-Jagriti portal or submit complaints to district authorities or directly to the CCPA.

IANS inputs