LPG gas cylinder latest news: Amid reports of shortage of commercial LPG cylinders, several hotels and restaurants are imposing additional charges, such as LPG fees, gas surcharges or fuel cost recovery, on customers dining out. The has taken serious note of the issue, terming the practice as “unfair” under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
The move comes after multiple complaints and grievances received on the National Consumer Helpline, alleging that some hotels and restaurants are levying such charges in the consumer bill by default, over and above the price of food and beverages displayed in the menu and applicable taxes.
Taking serious note, the CCPA has issued a fresh advisory under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act 2019 directing that no such charges shall be levied automatically and warned that violations may invite strict action.
It clarified that input costs such as fuel, LPG, electricity and other operational expenses are part of the cost of running a business and must be factored into the pricing of menu items.
“The present practice of levying “LPG charges” or similar charges is an attempt to circumvent the aforesaid guidelines by adopting a different nomenclature. Recovery of such costs through separate mandatory charges constitutes an unfair trade practice under Section 2(47) of the Act,” it said.
If a customer face LPG charges, gas surcharges or fuel cost recovery fees in their bill, they should first ask the hotel or restaurant to remove the charge. If they refuses, a complaint can be lodged with the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) by calling 1915 or through the NCH mobile app.
Apart from these, the customers can also file a complaint before the appropriate Consumer Commission through the e-Jagriti portal, or submit a complaint to the District Collector or the CCPA.
