LPG Charge and Gas Surcharge Complaints: The ongoing tension in the Middle East is having a visible impact on India as well. In some areas, restaurants and *dhabas* (roadside eateries) have shut down due to gas shortages, while others have complained of facing difficulties in booking gas cylinders. Amidst this situation, the Central Government issued an advisory for hotels and restaurants on Wednesday.

The CCPA (Central Consumer Protection Authority) has stated that no hotel or restaurant shall, by default or automatically, levy charges such as 'LPG Charge,' 'Gas Surcharge,' 'Fuel Cost Recovery,' 'Gas Crisis Charge,' or any similar fee on the bill. Furthermore, hotels and restaurants must ensure that the price displayed on the menu constitutes the final price, excluding only applicable taxes. In this context, we explain today where customers can lodge a complaint if a restaurant adds any additional charges to the bill despite this regulation. Let's look at the complete process for filing a complaint...

Request the Manager to Remove the Charge
If a restaurant or hotel adds an LPG charge or gas surcharge to the bill, ask the hotel or restaurant manager to remove this additional charge from the bill. Inform them that the CCPA has issued clear directives prohibiting the levy of such automatic fuel or service charges.

File a Complaint with the National Consumer Helpline
If the hotel or restaurant manager refuses to remove the charge, you can file a complaint with the National Consumer Helpline (NCH). To do so, you can call 1915, or register your complaint via the NCH mobile app or the UMANG app. Additionally, you can register your complaint by sending a WhatsApp message to the number +91 8800001915.

E-Jagriti Portal
You can file an official case with the relevant Consumer Commission through the 'E-Jagriti' portal. Furthermore, you may also send a written complaint to the District Collector of your area or directly to the CCPA.

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