LPG Charges on Restaurant Bills – Complete Process & Details

‘LPG Charges’ on Food Bills? Government Declares Added Fees Illegal

Consumers frequently express confusion when they see unexplained ‘LPG charges’ or ‘gas surcharges’ tacked onto their restaurant and hotel bills, wondering if these fees are legitimate. The government has clearly stated that such additional, non-voluntary charges are unfair and illegal.

Following a significant increase in complaints, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) issued a strict advisory clarifying that these add-on charges are a direct violation of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

According to the government directive, essential costs like fuel, gas, and electricity are fundamental operating expenses for any restaurant. They are required by law to be factored into the price of food listed on the menu, not added as a separate surprise at the end.

The authority emphasized that restaurants cannot simply rename the fee to bypass earlier regulations. Whether it’s labeled an LPG charge, service charge, or even a ‘fuel surcharge’ that has been substituted, it remains an invalid imposition if it is forced and not purely voluntary.

What To Do If You See ‘LPG Charges’

You have every right to protect yourself from these unfair practices. If you spot an ‘LPG charge’ on your bill, take these steps:

• Politely but firmly ask the restaurant management to remove the charge, explaining that the CCPA considers it an unfair trade practice.
• If they refuse to cooperate, you can easily lodge a formal complaint.
• Call the National Consumer Helpline by dialing 1915 from any phone.
• Use the NCH app for convenient on-the-go reporting.
• File a complaint through the official e-Jagriti portal.

For more serious cases, authorities confirm you can also escalate the issue directly to the relevant district administration or the CCPA for further investigation.