India's CCPA Bans Extra LPG, Fuel Charges on Bills

India's Central Consumer Protection Authority has issued a directive prohibiting hotels and restaurants from imposing additional charges for liquefied petroleum gas, fuel surcharges, or similar fees on customer bills, amid rising operational costs from supply disruptions in West Asia.

The advisory, released on March 25, 2026, addresses complaints from consumers who reported being billed extra amounts beyond menu prices and applicable taxes, such as goods and services tax. Officials stated that these practices violate the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, by constituting unfair trade practices through a lack of transparency and the imposition of unjustified costs. The authority emphasized that input expenses, including LPG, electricity, fuel, and other operational costs, must be incorporated into the pricing of menu items rather than recovered separately.

"It has come to the notice of the CCPA, through grievances registered on the National Consumer Helpline, complaints and media reports, that restaurants and hotels are levying additional charges in the name of LPG charges, gas surcharge, fuel cost recovery, gas crisis charges or similar terminology in the bill by default," said...