LPG Surcharge: To provide relief to customers, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has given clear instructions to hotels and restaurants to stop automatically adding additional charges like LPG charge or gas surcharge in the bill. This decision has been taken after complaints from people that charges were added to the food bill without informing them, which were in addition to the menu price and tax.
What changed for customers now?
According to the new instructions, now such additional charges cannot be forcibly collected from any customer. Restaurants must ensure that the price shown in the menu covers the full cost of the meal. Apart from this, only tax can be added separately. This means that now adding extra amount in the bill by the name of fuel charge or anything similar will be considered against the rules.
Why was this decision taken?
According to CCPA, restaurants in many places were trying to circumvent the rules by imposing such charges. By changing the name, the same additional fees were being collected in different ways. It was also revealed in the continuous complaints received on National Consumer Helpline and media reports that fuel recovery or gas charges were added at the end of the bill, about which no information was given earlier. Under the Consumer Protection Act 2019, such practice is considered unfair trade practice as it leads to loss of transparency and additional burden on customers.
What to do if such a charge appears in the bill?
If you see such a charge in any hotel or restaurant, you can ask for its removal right there. In many cases the bill is settled just on request. If the problem persists, you can lodge a complaint on the National Consumer Helpline number 1915 or escalate the matter to the concerned authorities.
Can you complain online also?
If hotels and restaurants charge you gas surcharge, you can also complain online. You can lodge a complaint online by visiting e-Jagriti portal. After this, you will get the solution as soon as possible.
Despite this rule, taxes like GST will remain applicable as before. Restaurants can decide their own food prices but all operational expenses should be included in it upfront. Adding any additional fee later will not be accepted.
This instruction is being considered a step towards more strict implementation of the guidelines issued earlier. In the coming time, action may also be taken against those who do not follow the rules.
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