People who eat out may have recently noticed reduced menus and even light payments on their bills, amid ongoing West Asian Conflict and resulting LPG concerns in India. Some posts on social media have pointed out that some restaurants were adding extra charges under labels like ‘LPG charges’, ‘gas surcharge’ or ‘fuel cost recovery’, leaving customers worried.
However, the authorities have now stepped in to address the issue, clarifying that such fuel charges are not acceptable.
In one press release dated March 25, 2026, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) said it has taken serious note of restaurants and hotels that add fuel-related surcharges to bills.
“The CCPA has observed, based on complaints received at the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) and media reports, that some hotels and restaurants are placing such charges on the customer’s bill by default, over and above the price of food and beverages displayed on the menu and applicable taxes. Such practices result in a lack of transparency and impose an unjustified cost of reading on consumers.”
“Noticing that such charges are being imposed by default to circumvent the existing guidelines on service charges, the Authority has issued a new advisory under section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act 2019 directing that no such charges shall be imposed automatically and warned that violations may require strict action,” it further said.
Notably, the CCPA is closely monitoring such practices across the country and is said to take action against any violations, including the imposition of unfair or unauthorized charges by hotels and restaurants.
