Amid rising concerns over unexpected charges in restaurant bills, the Central government has issued a clear directive: eateries, including those in Bengaluru, cannot add LPG or fuel-related charges as separate line items on customer bills.
The clarification comes after several complaints surfaced about restaurants adding “LPG charges,” “gas fees,” or “fuel surcharges” due to increasing commercial LPG costs and supply shortages. In some cases, bills even showed “gas crisis charges,” sparking outrage among diners.
According to the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA), such add-on charges are not permitted if they are imposed automatically or without the customer’s explicit consent. The authority has stated that fuel costs like LPG, electricity, and other operational expenses are part of a restaurant’s business costs and must be included in menu prices—not added separately to inflate bills.
What Do the Rules Say?
- Restaurants cannot levy LPG or gas charges by default on bills
- Any such hidden or extra charges may be treated as an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019
- Businesses must revise menu prices transparently instead of adding extra line-item fees
- Customers have the right to question or refuse such charges and ask for removal
The move is part of a broader crackdown on unfair billing practices in the hospitality sector. Earlier, the Centre had also clarified that service charges cannot be imposed automatically and must remain voluntary.
Why Are Restaurants Adding These Charges?
The issue stems from an ongoing LPG supply crunch and rising fuel prices, which have significantly increased operational costs for restaurants. Some establishments attempted to pass on this burden directly to customers through separate charges instead of increasing menu prices.
However, authorities have made it clear that such practices are not allowed. Restaurants may increase food prices if necessary, but they cannot disguise operational costs as additional fees on bills.
What Should Customers Do?
If you notice LPG or similar charges on your bill:
- Ask the restaurant to remove the charge
- Refuse to pay if it is mandatory
- File a complaint via the National Consumer Helpline if needed
The Centre’s directive aims to ensure transparency and protect consumers from hidden costs. For Bengaluru diners, this means you should only be paying for the food, applicable taxes, and any voluntary service charges not unexpected add-ons.
As scrutiny increases, restaurants are expected to align with the rules, ensuring fair billing practices while managing rising costs responsibly.
