Extra LPG Charge By Hotels: LPG charge will not be added separately to hotel-restaurant bill, how to complain on recovery?

Extra LPG Charge By Hotels: Hotels and restaurants will no longer be able to take any extra charge from customers, like ‘LPG charge’ or ‘fuel cost recovery’ fee. The central government has made it clear that apart from the price of food, only taxes decided by the government can be added to the bill.

Amid the LPG crisis, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued an order stating that hotels and restaurants will have to include all their input costs in their menu prices. If a restaurant adds any separate charge to the bill, such as increasing gas prices or any other operational expenses, then it will be considered a violation of the rules. According to the authority, customers will have to pay only the price mentioned in the menu and the taxes applicable on it.

Cafe imposes 5% ‘gas-crisis charge’ on lemonade

Recently, a café in Bengaluru imposed a 5% ‘gas crisis charge’ on the lemonade bill. According to a viral receipt from ‘Theo Café’, a customer ordered two mint lemonades which cost Rs 179 per glass. That means a total of Rs 358. The cafe gave a discount of Rs 17.90 (5%) and then added 5% ‘Gas Crisis Charge’. Also added GST. This brought the total bill to Rs 374.

Trying to avoid the ban on service charge

An investigation by CCPA has revealed that many hotels and restaurants are charging under new names to avoid the ban on ‘service charge’. Calling it a violation of consumer rights, the authority has promised strict monitoring and punitive action.

What to do if such charges appear on your bill?

CCPA advises that if you notice an ‘LPG charge’, ‘fuel charge’, or any other extra fee added to your bill, your first step should be to ask the hotel or restaurant management to remove it. If they refuse to remove the charge, the customer can file a formal complaint.

4 ways to lodge a complaint

• Helpline Number: Register a complaint by calling the National Consumer Helpline number 1915.
• Mobile App: Complaints can also be filed through NCH App.
• e-Jagriti Portal: Use e-Jagriti portal to file online complaint with Consumer Commission.
• Complaint to the Collector: Consumers can also give a written complaint to the District Collector or CCPA.